Given the dynamic nature of Lerona Mere, both the people, and the place, it is known that its culture is ephemeral and ever-changing. The conductor for this cacophony The Avant Guardian presides over the artists who maintain residence in Maracavo’s Wing as the guiding hand for the Liberartistes within Lerona Mere. It is therefore, the role of The Avant Guardian to perceive the cosmopolitan world around them, and to distil down the complex cacophony into a bite-sized chunk - to interpret the world of Lerona Mere as it is in the moment, and relay this back to their artists as inspiration. From their plush, peacock-emblazoned office, they are the decider of the Season’s afflatus - the voice that declares the overarching spirit of Lerona Mere culture and artistry.
Election
The Avant Guardian is elected in the Autumn Summit. Any Liberartiste may nominate themselves as a candidate for The Avant Guardian. Only those of Lerona Mere who are not Liberartistes may vote for The Avant Guardian - this reflects the need of The Avant Guardian to be of the artistic community, but listened to by the wider populace.
Term
The Avant Guardian serves a term of two years, including the Summit where they are elected. They may immediately stand for re-election after this term if they wish. There is no term limit.
Powers and Responsibilities
Temperature Check - The Avant Guardian receives a briefing each Summit regarding rising subcultures, shifts, and concerns within the city of Lerona Mere that may benefit from their attentions. Some of these briefings may include actions to be undertaken, while others may require overarching consideration.
The Guardianship - Each Season, The Avant Guardian may decree the guiding philosophy and inspiration for those creating art within Maracavo’s Wing over the coming six months. This reflects the Liberartistes dedicating their efforts to creating works to move the populace in the direction chosen. From this declaration, and the resulting art created, The Avant Guardian is able to indirectly influence the overarching perspective of the masses of Lerona Mere, for good or for ill.
This philosophy should be communicated, by letter, to the Avant’s Assistant, who will be in contact each Summit by letter to communicate the ‘Temperature Check’ briefing. As it is understood that brevity is the soul of wit, each inspiration must be given in five words or fewer. Dependent on the cultural temperature of Lerona Mere in the moment, this may look like:
- “Light of Lumos above all”
- “The fires of Revolution restored!”
- “Sharp blades and gleaming armour”
- “There is joy in prosperity”
History
Liberartistes have always been a voice of change in Lerona Mere - whether they be the quiet whispers of poetry shared by candlelight, or great sweeping murals painted underfoot in the Redbrick District. And before there was an official Avant Guardian, there was Eralda Maracavo - the wealthy patron who fostered the creativity, freedom, and eventual revolution of artists in Lerona Mere. Now, through her eponymous wing, partially funded by her estate, Maracavo lives on in spirit as the first Avant Guardian, ready to support the next generation as they guard the cultural heart of Lerona Mere city.
Historic Avant Guardians
| Name | Date |
| Emyrson van Soer | Autumn 226 - Incumbent |