Gioran Politics

Gior is a tribalistic society, built on tradition and ritual. Their political state is Oligarchy. A single family line rules the entire country, with strategic placement of family members in each city capital.

The country runs on a matriarchal system, women being the ones in power and more highly respected then men. This stems from the days of Aminark Giore's reign, and has carried over through the years. Whilst men are never treated poorly as such, quite often their opinions can be over ruled by the opinion of a woman. Women are more likely to enter into positions of diplomacy and power, where men tend to move into more manual roles.

Political Structure in Gior

The Matriarch

The head of the family, leader of all of Gior. Usually eldest woman in the family. Responsible for creating or altering any laws across Gior. Ultimate power in the country. Must be albino. Must have at least one child, however often they will have a substantial amount of children (four to six). If the Matriarch passes away, the leadership of the country passes to her first born albino daughter and the Patriarch is kept on as vizier. If her first born is not an albino, it moves down the line till an albino is found.

The Patriarch

Wedlocked to the Matriarch. Considered second-in-command if the Matriarch is incapacitated, though cannot replace the Matriarch as head of Gior. When the Matriarch passes away and is replaced by her first born albino daughter, the daughters partner becomes the new Patriarch whilst the old Patriarch becomes vizier.

The Ithaellim and Ikaellim

The female direct blood descendants of the Matriarch, by birth, over the age of ten. Oversee day to day operations such as officiating ceremonies, signing paperwork, dealing with diplomats and keeping the kingdom running smoothly. Ithaellim are posted in each city capital and act as a Matriarch for that particular city. Their word is considered absolute in their designated city, and can only be challenged by The Matriarch herself. If an Ithaellim is not able to be posted, or is otherwise incapacitated, the role can be covered by a male descendant of the Matriarch also known as an Ikaellim.

The Council

The female descendants of the Matriarch, by marriage, over the age of ten. Act as judge, jury and executioner on any legal disputes. Propose new laws or changes to existing laws, which can only be approved and acknowledged by The Matriarch. Any male descendants of the Matriarch, by marriage, can also stand in place of a female Council member if there is not one on hand or they are otherwise incapacitated. This isn't a common practice, as their judgements can often be escalated by the people to an Ithaellim.

The Assembly

Government officials who are employed by the leading family, but are not of the family themselves. These can constitute of but are not limited to: diplomats, ambassadors, clerks, officiators, medical counsellors, high profile business moguls, doctors, accomplished professors and well respected magisters. The Assembly are considered an extension of the voice of the leading family, are are expected to represent the very best that Gior has to offer.

Changing Of The Family

Leading family's can be in power for years, centuries even, unless they are over thrown by another family. To over throw a leading family, a Matriarch must be sure she has a large strong lineage. The in power family are assassinated from the Council up, sometimes by espionage, sometimes by out and out clan war. Regardless of how this is done, the final take over is usually bloody and violent. The overtaking family storm the Temple of Qrieth and capture The Matriarch and Patriarch. They are taken to the summit, and in the eyes of the people under Imaan's light, they are executed. This ritualistic murder is followed by a large celebration and dancing, and the new leading family moves to insert their positions in each of the cities of Gior.

Ruling Families of Note

Legal Disputes

All legal proceedings are overseen by a Council member, and are dealt with in swift and absolute ways. The issues are reviewed by the Council member, and they decide who is right and who is wrong. Judgement can range from verbal agreements, monetary compensations, temporary or permanent exile and finally execution.There is no jail time in Gior, as they don't see value in holding people who will not contribute to the wider society. A person who feels the judgement handed down is not fair does have the ability to demand the secondary opinion of an Ithaellim, and even The Matriarch, though this is quite often a waste of time as the family will not usually speak against its own.