The Republic of Alterra

Positions in the Republic

Grandmasters are the leaders of Alterra.  They represent the will of the founders and of Alterra as a nation. There are two Grandmasters; they share equal power. They get three votes in the Conclave. They hold their position as long as they are an active member or until they step down, leave Alterra, or are impeached and removed from office. Grandmasters have overall authority of choices; however, their decision can be cancelled by the Council and changed by the High Conclave. The Grandmasters are the generals of the Legions of Alterra. The Grandmasters take it in turns to command the Legions; however, they can delegate another to command in their stead. Grandmasters are in charge of everything dealing with Alterra. If both Grandmasters agree on a piece of legislation, they can sign it into law as a Decree. If a counselor is against the Decree, he can argue it in the Council. If the council votes with a majority against the law, it is brought to the High Conclave and put to vote there. When a Grandmaster leaves his office he appoints his successor. If he fails to name one (including in his Will), the entire active population of Alterra votes on the next Grandmaster (the Grandmaster who is leaving is allowed to vote also, unless he was forcibly removed from office). Elders and Grandmasters still get the same amount of votes as if it were the Conclave. To become a Grandmaster, one must have attained Knighthood. The new Grandmaster (and the remaining one) must then sign and notarize the Chapter Contract and send it in to the Dagorhir officials with a note explaining that the previous Grandmaster is no-longer bound by the previous contract. Informally (such as during practices or in battles) Alterrans should refer to the Grandmasters as: Grandmaster, Grandmaster (name), Master, Master (name), or something of the like. During formal events (such as feasts or Ragnarok) Grandmasters must be referred to with their full title of: Grandmaster (name), (rest of title, such as the Evenstar, the Rising Star, etc).

Elders are the second command of Alterra. They are the bridge between the Grandmasters and the Consuls.  There are two Elders. They are the assistants to the Grandmasters and help in any way the Grandmasters need. Nine consuls are elected, though two are promoted to the rank of Elder. Elders are the two consuls who have been in the Council the longest consecutive times. If there is no clear definition, the new Council elects their Elders (a consul is not allowed to vote for his or her own self). Elders have two votes in the Conclave. Elders are informally referred to as: Sir, or Sir (name). They are formally referred to as: (name), Elder and (other title) of Alterra.

Consuls are the members of the Republic of Alterra who vote on different issues.  They represent the will of the people, as they are elected by the people. There are seven consuls and each gets a single vote in the Conclave and the Council. Consuls are elected by the citizens of Alterra each May and November. They have a term of 6 months. The Council can pass legislation with a majority vote, though it can be vetoed by the Grandmasters. Consuls are formally referred to as: (name), Consul and (other title) of Alterra.

The Head Scribe records attendance and keeps track of dues and other data. He is present at all Council meetings and High Conclaves. He does not get to vote. He is elected by the High Conclave (he can turn down the position). He has a term of 6 months. Head Scribes are formally referred to as: (name), Head Scribe and (other title) of Alterra.

Scribes assist the Head Scribe in record keeping and any of his other duties. If the Head Scribe is unable to attend one or more of the Councils or High Conclaves, he must delegate at least one of the scribes to be there in his stead.  Like the Head Scribe, scribes do not get to vote. Scribes have a term of 6 months. Scribes are formally referred to as: (name), Scribus and (other title) of Alterra.

Governing Bodies of the Republic

The High Conclave is the highest legislative body in Alterra.  It produces legislation known as Proclamations (or laws).  It is composed of the Grandmasters, Elders, and all seven consuls.  The total votes within the Conclave number 17.  A simple majority is needed to pass legislation, however, at least 12 votes must have been cast by members present at the High Conclave meeting.  In addition, both Grandmasters must be present at all High Conclave meetings or else the legislation is void.  The High Conclave is the only legislative body that can remove a Grandmaster, Elder, or consul from office.  The High Conclave is also responsible for approving large purchases, though the Grandmasters are allowed to make smaller purchases without prior approval.

The Council is the second highest legislative body in Alterra.  It produces legislation known as Mandates.  These Mandates are equal in power to the Decrees of the Grandmasters.  Most of the smaller issues should be dealt through the Council; only the bigger issues should reach the entirety of the High Conclave.  A majority of the Council is needed to pass Mandates, though a quorum of 5 votes must have been cast by members present at the meeting.

Local Councils are the small legislative bodies present in each Legion of Alterra.  The consuls elected to these local councils are elected solely by the members of that Legion and have a term of 6 months.  These councils are meant to take care of the small issues that only affect those Alterrans in that Legion, such as Honor Reviews for knighthood.