Empress of the Natopians

Empress of the Natopians
The Imperial Arms of Her Most Bovic Majesty
Incumbent
Vadoma
since 1709 (West; together with her husband Edward) since 23.III.1716 (East)
Style	Her Most Bovic Majesty
Residence	Vista de Nada Palace (Lindstrom, Natopia)
Appointer	By succession
Term	Lifetime
Inaugural holder	Nathan Waffel-Paine
Formation	1509

The Empress of the Natopians is the monarch, head of state, and commander-in-chief of the Bovic Empire of the Natopian Nation, of both Western Natopia and Eastern Natopia. The Natopian monarchy's history is marked by its resilience and the adaptation to changing political, cultural, and religious circumstances over the centuries. The importance of the Bovic religion and its influence on the Natopian culture is a notable aspect of the history of the Natopian monarchy. It is clear that the title of the Empress of the Natopians has evolved significantly over time and continues to be an important symbol of unity and national identity for the people of Natopia.

History of the Title

Origins of the Natopian monarchy can be traced back to 1499 when the Order of the Black Hole was established in the Natopian republic. The Order introduced chivalric, monarchist, and autocratic elements into the republican government. The Natopian monarchy was first established in 1506 when Nathan Waffel-Paine proclaimed an end to the Sovereign Imperial Republic of Natopia following the collapse of the Venerable Union of Aligned States. Members of the Order of the Black Hole proclaimed Nathan to be King of Natopia. In 1509, due to rapid expansion, Nathan I declared himself to be the Sovereign Natopian Emperor. Nathan held this version of the title until 1533, when the empire was drastically and suddenly replaced with a new republic. The republic almost immediately collapsed, causing the Natopian Dark Age, during which Athlon flourished as an independent nation where the Natopian culture persevered and the Bovic religion grew in popularity.

In 1536, the Natopian empire was re-established and Nathan assumed the new title of Bovic Emperor, reflecting the growing impact of Bovinism on Natopian culture. It is important to note that at the time Nathan was both Natopian emperor and Pentheros of the Bovic Church. Nathan held this title until he abdicated in 1556 to Konrad von Zeck who also held the title of Bovic Emperor until 1575. Emperor Konrad served as a powerless figurehead monarch from 1567 to 1572, the years during which the Butter Bull incarnate ruled Natopia directly and the Pentheros often served as head of government.

Interregnum

A few years after the Butter Bull left Micras, in 1575, Nathan (acting as Pentheros and claiming a divine mandate) abolished the monarchy in favor of a theocracy directly under him as Sovereign of Natopia. In 1589 Nathan was assassinated on the floor of the Elwynnese Senate. He was resurrected the same year by the Butter Spirit and apotheosized as the fourth divine entity of the Butter Quadrate. Although Nathan may now have been "The Once-Living God" his grasp on reality began to quickly unravel and his grasp on state affairs spiraled out of control.

The lack of central leadership culminated in the Natopian Civil War between the Imperialists (Ziegeland and Tas Neemia) and the Coalition (Sororiya and Klaasiya) in 1587-89.

In 1596, plagued by the insanity and morose of being torn from death and reanimated in a body made of butter, Nathan began the process of transitioning himself out of power. He began advocating for a return to a simple republican government, and so in 1596 he gave up the title of Sovereign and chose a "simpler" title, one that related to Natopia's early days: Chancellor of the Dominion. He held this title until 1608, during which he attempted to minimize the central Natopian government as much as possible, putting more power in the hands of the four demesnes at the time (Tas Neemia, Ziegeland, Sororiya, and Klaasiya). By 1608 the Natopian government existed only in the form of the Frenzy, which was a voluntary meeting of Representatives from the demesnes. Many advisors close to the frail chancellor towards the end of his life claim he was actively trying to split up the Natopian demesnes into an alliance of four sovereign states, which he believed would survive the trials of time better than a monolithic empire that could collapse all at once.

Nathan Waffel-Paine died, for good, in 1608 when he melted into the carpet of the Chancellor's office in Vista de Nada Palace. The Frenzy elected Christo Eucalyptos as the new Chancellor. Christo worried that without the guiding hand of Nathan--or any central figure--for the first time in 120 years, the Natopian nation may unravel into the four sovereign nations. After all, the civil war was only 19 years in the past.

Restoration

Working with the Pentheros Neoptolemus of the Bovic Church, Christo had Nathan's adopted son, Nathaniel Ayreon-Kalirion proclaimed as Emperor of the Natopians in 1610. The Pentheral Bull declared that "All Bovics throughout Micras will owe fealty, devotion, and love to this Emperor, His Most Bovic Majesty. All Natopians will respect the Emperor as a living symbol of the nation and unity." The popular version of the title "of the Natopians" versus "of Natopia" was chosen to reflect the new ideal for the monarchy there to unite the people. The title had no legal basis in Natopia for several years and only had authority to act as ceremonial figurehead with the Chancellor's permission. The very first formal government position granted to the emperor was to serve as chief judge on court of final appeal. Chancellor Eucalyptos assigned many traditional and executive roles to the Emperor, and slowly the Emperor's role became tradition and eventually enshrined in Natopian law.

Nathaniel ruled as Emperor until 1619, when he abdicated in favor of his half-brother Naian Waffel-Paine. The title has remained in the Waffel-Paine family since then. The title is inherited, but until recently there were no rules for who a reigning emperor could pass it on to. Over the years the Frenzy has granted more and more power to the Emperor and as a result the Frenzy has also placed more restrictions on who may become Emperor. Currently the Emperor must maintain an Instrument of Succession to allow for orderly succession, and all potential heirs must be a member of the House of Waffel-Paine.

Powers and Duties

The powers of the Emperor are defined in the Natopian Constitution. The emperor is obligated to defend the Constitution, protect the Natopian nation from foreign and domestic threats, and serve as a model citizen for Natopians to unify behind. The Emperor also has specific powers that place him in the executive and judicial branches of the Natopian government.

Executive Duties

The Emperor shares executive duties with the Chancellor of Natopia. In particular, the Emperor has exclusive jurisdiction over foreign affairs and defense. The Emperor appoints and receives ambassadors and other envoys and he or officers of his Court negotiate treaties on the government's behalf. The emperor is commander-in-chief of the Natopian military. During a national emergency declared by the Frenzy, the Emperor can rule by decree alone. In practice, the Emeperor's executive duties are carried out by the officers of the Imperial Court of Natopia.

Judicial Duties

The Emperor chairs Natopia's supreme court, The Court of the Noble Fountain, although in practice leaves many decisions to his Secretary for Legal Affairs. The Emperor, his Secretary, and an appointed-Advisor decide cases together. The Emperor also has the power to grant amnesty, commute sentences, and pardon convicts.

Republican Equivalents

Since the founding of Natopia in 1471 and before the proclamation of the Natopian kingdom i 1506, the Natopian head of state held several titles.

• Natopian Alliance (1471 - c.1488)
  • President: This title was used by Nett Opaegh during Natopia's semi-mythical founding. The Natopian Alliance consisted of settlements around present day Lindstrom, Andiopolis, and Hazelwood.

• Sovereign Imperial Republic of Natopia (c.1488-1506)
  • Grand Chancellor: The Grand Chancellor's role in the early Natopian republics varied greatly, but almost always included the power to make decrees. The Grand Chancellor sometimes presided directly over the Frenzy, and at other times a separate officer, usually styled as Consul, presided.

List of Rulers

This is a list of all Rulers of Natopia, and their epithets, since it was founded as a city in 1471 AN (1113 ASC), holding the equivalent title to Head of State.

This is a list of all Rulers of Natopia since it was founded as a city in 1471 AN (1113 ASC), holding the equivalent title to Head of State.

Name	Portrait	Arms	Birth	Reign	Death	Succession	House	Note
President Nett Opaegh The Conqueror			Taypfer, Jasonia, 1436	1471–1488	1488, aged 52	Early death left no succession plan, three top officials initiated a coup to install themselves in power.	Opaegh	Semi-mythical, and main protagonist of the epic poem The Opaeied.
Emperor Nathan I The Only			Lindstrom, Natopia, 1455	1488–1533	1607, aged 152	Abdicated in 1533 to allow for the establishment of a republic.	Waffel-Paine	Ruled as grand chancellor from 1488 to 1506. Was declared King of Natopia by the Order of the Black Hole in 1506 and self-proclaimed himself Sovereign Natopian Emperor in 1509.
President Brian Capelle The Late			?	1533–1536	?		Capelle	The nation temporarily collapsed during this time period, allowing Bovinism to develop in Athlon.
Emperor Nathan I The Only			Lindstrom, Natopia, 1455	1536–1556	1607, aged 152	Abdicated in 1556 to Konrad von Zeck.	Waffel-Paine	Reclaimed the throne to stabilize the nation after the Dark Ages.
Emperor Konrad The Willing			Gotzborg, 1509	1556–1575	1595	Abdicated to Nathan Waffel-Paine in 1575	Von Zeck	Remained titular emperor during the Butter Bull's theocratic reign.
Lord Butter Bull The Malevolent			Smjorkyr, Shireroth Incarnated	1567–1572	1572	The Pentheros of the Dozan Bovic Church became Sovereign.	Divine	Ruled Natopia as his personal Dominion
Sovereign Theodores The Only			Lindstrom, Natopia, 1455	1575–1607	1607, aged 152	Replaced as chancellor by vote of the Frenzy	Waffel-Paine	After being resurrected in a butterbody in 1590, his ability to govern diminished so he established a form of government where the Frenzy had supreme legislative authority
Chancellor Christo Eucalyptos The Kingmaker			Bagelston, 1586	1608–1610	?	Reestablished the monarchy as a title bestowed by the Church.	Eucalyptos	A lifelong republican, he intentionally limited the scope and power of the emperor to ceremonial duties.
Emperor Nathaniel The Returned			Barbary, 1586	1610–1619	1632, aged 46	Abdicated in favor of his step-brother Naian Moonoak	Ayreon-Kalirion and Waffel-Paine	Expanded the power of the new monarchy.
Emperor Naian The Evergreen			Great Hazel Woods, Flaventia, 1588	1619–1644	1644, aged 56	Abdicated in favor of his daughter, Asara Waffel-Paine, then committed ritual suicide to join the Tree Spirits	Waffel-Paine	Further expanded the power of the new monarchy by having the Frenzy grant him further powers.
Empress Asara The Pious			Myrtilis, Flaventia, 1624	1644–1647	1647, aged 23	A succession crisis was resolved by allowing 14 year old Zakyyr Moonoak to assume the throne instead of Asara's three-year old son, Nathan II.	Waffel-Paine	Murdered by Adam Anushiruwân. Her children, Nathan and Clara, were sent to be fostered in Stormark which caused a lot of trouble later.
Emperor Zakyyr The Bold			Klaasiya, 1633	1647–1653	1656, aged 23	Abdicated in favor of his cousin, Nathan II.	Waffel-Paine	Reign was marked by the Auspicious Occasion in Shireroth and Zakyyr's notable defense of international pariah, Thorstein Noah.
Emperor Nathan II The Flaventian			Anmutstadt, 1644	1653–1704	1717, aged 73	Abdicated in favor of his son, Nathan III.	Waffel-Paine	He reclaimed the throne at age eight, and was abducted shortly after.
Emperor Nathan III			Anmutstadt, 1671	1704–1709	Lindström, 1716		Waffel-Paine	United Natopia
Emperor Nathan III			Anmutstadt, 1671	1709–1716	Lindström, 1716		Waffel-Paine	Eastern Natopia
Empress Vadoma			Anmutstadt, 1671	1709–1716			Waffel-Paine	Western Natopia, Co-Empress of the West with her husband
Emperor Edward			Triegón, 1664	1709–present			Waffel-Paine (by marriage) Carrillo (paternal) Rothborne	Western Natopia, Co-Emperor of the West with his hife
Empress Vadoma			Anmutstadt, 1671	1716–present			Waffel-Paine	Empress of the Natopians, of all Natopia (since 1716), Co-Empress of the West with her husband (since 1709).

Line of Succession (East)

The order of succession to the throne of Natopia is set at the reigning Emperor's pleasure although it has usually passed from parent to eldest child. To be included in the line of succession, one must be a member of the Waffel-Paine family. In 1685, Nathan II issued a new Instrument of Succession that went into greater detail than previous emperors. It notably excluded reigning sovereigns that would otherwise be considered in line (such as Salome--and her heirs--and John) to avoid the possibility of bringing Natopia into a personal union.

1. Her Imperial Highness, Leonora Noor Waffel-Paine
2. Her Imperial Highness, Clara Sundara
3. Lord Carl Starshade of Waffel-Paine & Drak
4. Lord Stav Starshade of Waffel-Paine & Drak
5. Lord Fen Starshade of Waffel-Paine & Drak
6. His Imperial Highness, Aldin Ayreon-Kalirion
7. His Imperial Highness, David Ayreon-Kalirion
8. His Imperial Highness, Utas Enrique Naian
9. Her Imperial Highness, Abigail Ayreon-Kalirion
10. The Very Honorable, Gwyn Moonoak
11. Anwyn Moonoak
12. His Grace, Llyr Angus-Moonoak, Holder of Haven, Castellan of Andiopolis
13. Lord Eremias Vidarion Angus-Moonoak
14. Lady Thyra Angus-Moonoak
15. The Honorable, Jayes Angus-Moonoak

Imperial Crown Jewels

The first Natopian monarch, Nathan Waffel-Paine, commissioned Dingo & Co. to create the Imperial Crown Jewels for the new kingdom. The jeweler delivered a crown, scepter, and sword. These three items have been symbols of the Natopian government since 1506. Even during interregnums, the crown jewels have been appropriated to represent different branches of the government. The crown, scepter, and sword each represent different aspects of the government and symbolize the Emperor's personal authority, judicial rights, and legislative authority, respectively.

Imperial State Crown

The Imperial Crown represents the Emperor's personal authority to rule. It is made of sterling silver, a green velvet cap, ermine fur, pearls, emeralds, saphhires, and amethysts. The coronet is encircled by crosses and fleur-de-Natopis. At the time of the crown's creation, Natopia was a Nazarene nation. There has been no serious discussion to replace the Nazarene crosses with Bovic yokes. The crown's arches are topped by an orb with a Cross of Sovereignty above it, representing Natopian supremacy over the world (a populist movement at the time).

Sword of Sovereignty

The Sword of Sovereignty represents the Emperor's judicial rights as a supreme judge. Its hilt is made of sterling silver, and the blade is thin steel. The hilt is covered in emeralds and sapphires. The general shape of the sword is an elongated and stylized Cross of Sovereignty. The sword is relatively light weight, and can be held aloft with one hand without discomfort. It is used during knighthood ceremonies. The sword was formerly entrusted into the care of the chief justice of Natopia, but now the emperor ceremonial weilds it again. It is displayed when the Court of the Noble Fountain is in session and it is features on the court's coat of arms.

Fleur-de-Natopi Scepter

The imperial scepter was commissioned to represent the legislative authority of the emperor. It is made of sterling silver, decorated with a Cross of Sovereignty, and a Fleur-de-Natopi, a decorative floral motif specifically created by Dingo & Co. for the crown jewels. It is encrusted with emeralds, sapphires, and a large amethyst. Although the crown jewels remain the property of the Emperor, the current Chancellor usually displays the Scepter in the Frenzy to represent the Chancellor's legislative authority in modern Natopian politics. The coat of arms of the Chancellor of Natopia features the scepter.