Governance of Solara

The Kingdom of Solara is ruled by a King and/or Queen and the Council of Light (House of Lords).

The Crown of Solara

The Crown of Solara must be a citizen in good standing within the Kingdom of Solara who meets the requirements for a Contender of the Crown.
The Crown will serve for a 1-year term (except as otherwise stated under abdication or a formal removal by a vote of no confidence).
The Crown is expected to be strong, courageous, fair, kind, benevolent, and always give voice to Their Lords. The individual strengths of our people and our Steadings are what create our magnificent Solara.
The Crown’s Word is law within Solara.
1. The Crown may make such Edicts to enhance the Kingdom at their pleasure.
1. These will be the law of the land during Their reign unless codified into the Book of Law by a 2/3ds vote of the Council of Light.
1. Conversely, the Council of Light may veto any such Edicts by a 2/3ds vote.
1. Any Crown Edicts that are in violation of current Kingdom Rules, Universal Rules or the By-Laws are null and void and may not be enacted.
1. The Crown may bestow such favors as they deem worthy including ennobling any citizen within the Court (such as a former Lord).
Upon winning the Crown, the Lord does not have to resign from their current position within their Steading and may not hold both offices simultaneously. They may choose, at their pleasure, to appoint per their Steading’s rules a new Baron / Duke (et. al.) of their Steading or appoint a regent to run the day-to-day operations until their Reign is complete.
The Crown is accorded the right of precedence and should be afforded all honors and courtesy appropriate to Their station.

The Honorable Hellbenders (King and Queen)

The King by Right of Arms (taking the field in armor) shall be called the Black Hellbender.
The Queen by Right of Arms (taking the field in armor) shall be called the White Hellbender.
A King or Queen who utilizes a champion and does not take the field or a consort, may not use the titles of Black or White Hellbender but may choose a title befitting their station (example: the Argent Dragon, the Azure Griffin, etc.)

Responsibilities of the Crown including but not limited to:

Council of Light
1. The Crown in conjunction with the Council of Light is charged with guidance and direction of the lands of Solara. They shall endeavor to harmonize the members Steadings to create unity among the lands and people.
1. To lead the Council of Light and give voice to the Lords listening to their ideas, concerns, and suggestions and assisting in decision making for the best course of action for Solara. They shall also make themselves available to speak with individual Lords to address matters.
1. Propose such Solara rules that increase the functionality and prosperity of Solara and the enjoyment of the people.
1. Work with the Lords to schedule Royal visits to their Lands and events.
Manage lands within the Kingdom.
1. Strive to grow the realms of Solara.
1. The Crown may grant any unclaimed land that is not disputed to any Duchy or Principality unless the Council of Light vetoes such patent.
  1. Lands in dispute must war for unclaimed lands they wish to claim through a variety of challenges including games, arts challenges, or war as the Lords agree upon.
  1. Combat may not be utilized against any non-fighting Steading.
  1. Challenges should be determined based on reasonable equal skills.
Act as an appellate body for any Fire Borne.
1. They may pardon Citizens of the Kingdom including sanctions and banishments.
  1. The Council of Light retains the right to veto such action.
1. They may not require any Steading to remove a sanction or banishment from their own lands. While the individual may receive a Royal Pardon, a Steading is not required to allow that individual at their events and gathering.
Military
1. Defend member Steadings from all threats.
1. Promotion of all marshal activities and the encouragement for the standing army to maintain and improve their skills through competition and war maneuvers.
1. Recognition and promotion of warriors for prowess and chivalry.
1. Coordination with the Earl Marshal of War, Steading Lords, and Knights on military strategies. This may be delegated to the Earl Marshal of War.
1. Assistance with planning the Solara Tournament of Fire (Crown War) and Tournament of Ice (Winter War) including the review and approval of bids from Steadings desiring to host the wars.
Foreign Relations
1. Maintain good foreign relationships with other Kingdoms.
  1. Develop and maintain good foreign relationships with Outremer kingdoms (other organizations).
  1. Create treaties and allies with foreign lands.
  1. Negotiate alliances during Wars and/or pledge the Solara banner as agreed upon with the Council of Light.
  1. Call for support to aid treatied allies.
Officers
1. The Crown may appoint or remove officers or delegate responsibilities at their pleasure with the exception of the High Master of Coin which must be coordinated with the Realms High Master of Coin.
1. The Crown shall work with and direct Officers of Solara and provide them with additional support when needed.
1. The Crown has the right to not fill any office with the exception of the High Master of Coin.
1. The Crown has the right to appoint officers that are not listed in the rules. These appointments will end at the end of the Crown’s reign unless the new Monarch chooses to continue in the office. (Ex: Head of Retinue, etc.)
Arts
1. Promotion of the arts.
1. Recognition and promotion of artisans and encouraging events that provide competition for our artisans.
1. Promotion of classes and other learning opportunities for our artisans to learn and grow their skills and obtain new skills.
1. Encourage artisans to participate at Kingdom level events and to create such things as to beautify the court.
1. Encourage people to create Collegiums within the Solara Agora for greater learning opportunities.
Service
Set forth the example that all people are in service to Solara and are equally important.
Encourage both marshal and non-marshal people to participate and contribute within their groups and the Kingdom.
Recognition and promotion of those who serve with distinction.
Awards, Awards, and Honors
1. Oversight and presentation of Awards and Honors to encourage growth of the arts, marshalate, and dedication in service.
1. Awards shall be given based on the deeds of renown of individuals.
1. Give Honors are the highest commendation presented for individuals who embody the heart of Solara in both deed and service.
1. Induct members into the Orders of Solara.
1. Acknowledgement of local Steading awards.

Co-Ruler, Consort, Royal Court, and Retinue

Co-Ruler
1. A co-ruler is a King or Queen who competed in whatever contest is utilized for the selection of the Crown for their reign.
1. The King/Queen Co-Ruler have all the rights and privileges of a Sovereign ruler. However, within the Council of Light, the King/Queen have one vote between them.
1. They must be a member of Solara for a minimum of one (1) year and meet the requirements for a Contender of the Crown.
Consort
1. A consort may be selected from any citizen of Solara.
1. They must be a member of Solara for a minimum of one (1) year but are not required to be or have been a Lord.
1. Consorts may be called upon to endow awards upon the citizenry on behalf of the Crown, especially in the areas of arts and service. Consorts may give awards by Their hand to deserving members.
1. Consorts may sit on the Council of Light, but do not have any voting rights on matters of state. However, their counsel shall be heard.
1. Consorts may appoint their personal Head of Retinue or Secretary.
Retinue
1. Both Lords and members may be requested to join the Royal Court and/or Retinue.
1. Lords and members may be selected for special Patents of Office for the tenure of the reign. Such titles may include, but are not limited to: Court Herald, War Captains, Ladies in Waiting, and other such appointments that may please Their Majesties.
1. At events at which the Crown attends, attending Lords may bring before their Majesties one (1) or two (2) people to serve in the Royal Retinue for that event.
1. All members of the current Crown’s retinue during the course of their reign may wear a green ribbon or belt favor to denote their station within the retinue.
1. Rules for Royal Retinue are in the Solara Book of Tradition.

Council of Light

The Crown’s Privy Council is the Council of Light who assists with matters of state and carries the vote of their people.
All Lords, Barons, Dukes, and Princes within Solara sit on the Council of Light.
1. New Kingdoms that are formed are required to have a Council of Light but have the autonomy to structure it as they deem appropriate.
The Council of Light maintains a council room on social media (i.e., Facebook) to discuss Matters of State, share and obtain information on events and other activities, and to enjoy the comradery of their fellow Lords.
1. All members of the Council of Light are encouraged to have a Chancellor (2^nd in command) who is in training or trained to carry out the Lord’s duty as needed, including proxy voting on their behalf. The Chancellor may speak in the Council but does not have voting privileges except in the case of proxy.
1. Matters of State within the Council of Light are confidential except when requested matters to be disseminated to the Members or a polling of Members is required.
Responsibilities of the Council of Light Members
1. All Lords must abide by Solara Kingdom and Universal Law.
1. Representation:
  1. Each Lord is a representative of Solara and should always present themselves accordingly.
  1. To be a servant of Solara and the people of your Steading.
  1. Foster the betterment of the Kingdom.
  1. To bring concerns to the Council of Light and/or the Crown for assistance or as needed.
  1. To keep the Crown abreast of activities, awards, events, and other glorious deeds.
  1. Assist with recruiting for the growth of Solara.
    1. Steadings are not required to grow if they are satisfied with the size of their group.
  1. Assist with other Steadings recruiting efforts, such as joining with them for events, demos, or directing new prospective members to Steadings in their area or based on their interest.
1. Activity and Event Attendance:
  1. Be active in their Steading.
  1. Oversight of Steading events and grow event staff by providing opportunities for others’ involvement in planning and running the event.
  1. Be active on the Council’s message boards (Facebook, Discord, et al) to stay connected to each other and the Crown.
  1. Attend events of their companion Steadings as they can and encourage their people to attend by sharing events on the social media pages.
1. Recognition and Awards:
  1. Lords are responsible for ensuring their members are recognized for their labors and efforts by the Crown through the Award system.
  1. Any Steading may give awards to their people. It is encouraged that they remain reasonably consistent with the types of awards given (levels, names of the awards, etc.).
    1. These awards, while acknowledged by the Crown, are only within the Steading.
    1. Steadings may not make peers (knights, master, and maisters).
  1. Duchies and Principalities may make Knights, Masters, and Maisters within the borders of their lands.
    1. They will be recognized by their title at the Kingdom level as a Knight / Master / Maister of the Banner.
    1. We encourage our Lords to be consistent with the requirements of the Kingdom in giving such honors as these levels are a representation of our realms.
1. It is encouraged that our artisans craft beauty within the Kingdom. Commission and creation of Solara Regalia and Accoutrements.
  1. Steadings are encouraged to assist in the beautification of the Court. Such gifts are kept in perpetuity for succeeding Crowns.
  1. Steadings and Artisans will be shown gratitude and recognized for their contributions.
1. Defense:
  1. Defend your lands from opposing forces during times of war.
1. The term “Lord” is for all ennobled members of the Council of Light and former Council persons. Lord may also be used for all Peer level members of Solara.
1. All Lords must be at least 18 years of age and be a member in good standing of the Kingdom of Solara within their respective steading.
VOTING:
1. Ensure that their votes align with the voice of their people on Matters of State.
  1. If there is an upcoming vote and they have not had opportunity to speak with their people, they may request a stay on the matter.
1. They may give their proxy to their Chancellor or any other sitting Lord to vote on their behalf. All proxies must be in writing such as stating in the Council digital Hall.
1. Counting Votes:
  1. Each Steading Lord (Co-Lords) will have 1 vote for their Steading.
  1. Each Duke / Duchess will have 1 vote between them for the Duchy.
  1. Each Principality will have 1 vote for the Principality.
  1. The King and Queen will have 1 vote for the Kingdom.
  1. Chancellors may vote to show their opinion, but that vote will not be counted as the official Steading vote without written proxy.
1. A 2/3rds majority is required to pass a Solara Rule or Law. Likewise, a 2/3rds majority is required to veto or repeal any Solara Rule or Law.

Meetings of Council of Light

The Crown may call a meeting of the Council of Light as they desire. Lords may request meetings as needed.
Formal matters will be posted in the Council of Light (digital hall) for all Lord’s to review and comment upon. Most matters are determined through discussion on the boards; however, formal votes may be called by any Lord at any time.
1. A formal vote must be called and seconded.
1. The formal matter will be posted for vote and/or comment.
1. After seven (7) days, any Lord who has not voted (or requested the vote be extended) will be considered abstained.
  1. At any time where it is necessary to hold an emergency vote, the Crown or the Lord Privy Seal may contact individuals via telephone to discuss the matter and gather their vote. A written confirmation of their vote must be posted at the soonest possible time to confirm. The Crown or the Lord Privy Seal shall vote the Lord’s proxy.
  1. Lords may change their vote before the close of the voting period.
1. The Annual Council of the Light in person Gathering will be held at Tournament of Fire (Crown War).
1. Formal agenda items for the annual meeting must be submitted no later than seven (7) days before the commencement of the event.
  1. Lords may attend formal meetings electronically.
  1. Any Lord who must be absent from the annual Council meeting may give their proxy to any other sitting Lord in attendance. This proxy must be in writing or announced in the Council of Light prior to the meeting.
  1. The Fire Borne may attend the annual Council of Light meeting.

Officers of the Kingdom

Officers are administrative positions only.
All officers must be at least 18 years of age and be a member in good standing of the Kingdom of Solara and their respective steading.

The Crown may entitle them for the duration of their service as they deem appropriate.
Each Officer position must make themselves available to the Steadings within Solara as a resource as well as attend the Crown and Solara as a whole.
Officers may be Lords of a Steading.
Offices may be held by the Royal Consort with the exception of the High Master of Coin.
Officers do NOT have voting rights in the Council of Light but may be requested to attend a CoL meeting for assisting the Crown and the CoL. They may offer advice, recommendations, or opinions.
Officers must take unto themselves an Aide (2nd) who can carry out official duties of the office if needed. The Aide is not required to be within the same Steading as the Officer.
Officers may hold more than one office and are not required to step down from any ennobled position which they may hold.

Officers

Lord Privy Seal (Steward/Historian)

Is the “voice of reason” who has a non-voting permanent position within the Council of Light to assist with interpretation Solara law and other such matters.
Serves as New Groups administrator to assist with any documentation and understanding of the Rules.
Serves as historian for any awards, awards, and the history of Solara.

Earl Marshal of War (Commander)

The Earl Marshal of War is the Commander of the Army, under the direction of the Crown.
1. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  1. Oversight of the army on the field
  1. Assisting Lords with training and recruiting
  1. Assisting the Crown in raising armies for War
  1. Coordinating with the Lords for War strategies
Oversee the Marshalate through their appointment of Earl Marshals.
1. They may appoint Earl Marshal’s for areas of marshal activities in which they hold expertise with the Crown’s approval.
  1. Steel, Rattan, Fencing / Cut and Thrust, Padded Weapons, Archery / Forward Thrown Weapons / Equestrian and other marshal activities.
The Earl Marshal of War may delegate leadership on the field and name Captains and Lieutenants for the day’s battles.

High Master of Coin (Treasury)

Under the supervision of the Crown and the Realms Treasurer, the High Master of Coin maintains the Royal treasury and oversees expenditures for travel, Regalia, accoutrements of the Royal Crown, and other such matters that affect the purse.
The Kingdom or Principality High Master of Coin may not be a member of the Royal’s mundane household (related to).
All non-petty expenditures (over $100) must be approved by the Council of Light.
The High Master of Coin does have veto power over any expenditure that would create undue hardship upon Solara or be in violation of non-profit mundane rule. A veto by the High Master of Coin will be returned to the Council of Light for final determination.
The High Master of Coin is a permanent, non-voting member of the Council of Light.
The Realms High Master of Coin may also serve as a Kingdom Master of Coin simultaneously.

High Docent of Arts

Coordinates and oversees all Solara level collegiums, competitions, and arts events.
Works with Steadings in research, local events, and other such matters upon request.
Encourages the arts among the Steadings.
Assist people with development of personae and eventing.
Makes recommendations to the Crown for merited awards and honors.
The High Docent of Arts may appoint competition judges, arts collegiums leaders, and other administrative / aides at events.

High Steward of Service

Coordinates and oversees all Solara level events, courts functions, and may wait upon the Crown as a member of the Royal Retinue.
Works with Steadings to coordinate local events, and other such matters upon request.
Encourages service among the Steadings.
Makes recommendations to the Crown for merited awards and honors.
High Stewards of Service may appoint service collegium leaders, members of retinue, water bearers, ushers, heads of feasts, or other such areas of service needed.

Ambassador

The Ambassador and their Delegates are responsible for communication and connection with other organizations or between Kingdoms.
Assist with facilitating and delivering treaties.

Other Offices

Chief Event Steward
1. Maintains the schedule of official events within the Kingdom and the official Kingdom calendar.
1. Assists with maintaining contact information for event sites. May assist with contacting event sites to assist with planning as requested.
1. Assists with reviewing bids for Kingdom Events and Crown Wars.
1. Assists the Head of Retinue with planning and coordination of the Royal progress.
Assistant Chief Event Steward
1. Works with the Chief Event Steward.
Head of Retinue
1. Is responsible for Royal Regalia and ensuring its return following the reign of the Crown.
1. Assists the High Master of Coin on matters pertaining to the Royal Regalia and accoutrements.
1. Coordinates visits for both TRMs to events and visiting royalty and dignitaries from other Kingdoms / organizations.
1. Ensures TRM are well attended to at all times during official business.
1. Maintains a list of artisans and crafts persons willing to create, maintain, and repair Kingdom Regalia.

Earl Marshals
- The Earl Marshals fall under the office of the Earl Marshal of War. Earl Marshal’s oversee the various aspects of combat and marshal competition. They may include:
  - Earl Marshal of Unarmored Combat (Padded Weapons)
  - Earl Marshal of Fencing
  - Earl Marshal of Archery
  - Earl Marshal of Heavy Weapons
  - Earl Marshal of Steel
  - Earl Marshal of Cut & Thrust
  - Earl Marshal of Youth Combat
  - Order of the Quasar (Knight Marshals)
  - Earl Marshal of Equestrian
    - The Earl Marshal of Equestrian (EME) and the Crown shall have full authority over all equestrian activities, tournaments, and competitions.
    - The EME must be well-qualified and experienced in the care of equine and equestrian safety and activities.
    - The EME has final authority in approving and deputizing all equestrian Horse Masters within the local branches.
    - Due to the nature of this activity, the EME also has oversight and final authority in all equestrian events including competition, weapons styles, etc.

NOTE: See the Solara Treatise of War for more information on Equestrian activities.

The Earl Marshals have broad authority in each of their specific marshal areas under the treatise of combat rules.
The Raven (Social Media)
- In cooperation with the Steading Lords, assists with the maintenance of social media pages and groups.
The Spider (Webmaster)
- Builds and maintains the Solara website, membership portals, and membership information.
Merchant Service Master
- Reports to the High Steward of Service
- Merchant Services maintains a database of merchants including their contact information.
- Keep merchants abreast of upcoming events which call for merchants, the fees (if any), and the rules in the merchant agreements.
- Coordinates with Steading event planners on behalf of merchants and/or connects merchants directly to the event merchant contacts.

Vacancies of any office may be posted to social media for those interested in being an officer.

Kingdom of Solara Book of Law

Crown of Solara and Governance