Introducing the World of Fire & Flight: Political Landscape of Tenebris
Yesterday was election day in the US, and while we’re exercising our right to vote, I thought this would be a good opportunity to share the political structure of Tenebris, the fictional backdrop of my upcoming YA fantasy novel, Fire & Flight.
Since gaining its independence from the Empire of Corvus almost seven hundred years prior to the beginning of Fire & Flight’s narrative, Tenebris has undergone some structural changes as to how the country operates politically. The former absolute monarchy is now a federal republic in which the people of Tenebris are able to elect their representatives, both federally and locally. While the royal family still has a seat in Mageffery, the capital city of Tenebris, these monarchs hold no power other than ceremonial appearance. From the counties of the Shadow Forest, the Amber Dunelands, and the Barrier Plains to the capital city nestled amongst the counties of the Godberd Woods, the people of Tenebris can be assured that their voice is heard through the election of representatives, regardless of their societal standing. Gone are the days of nobility and aristocracy, any eligible person (eligible person here meaning: of age and Tenebrese blood/citizenship), has the ability to put their name on the ballot should they choose to run for office.
And what office would they be running for? Well, there are a couple of different branches, locally and federally, that they could try their Fate at: Chambers of Justice or the Chambers of Commons, as well as being elected to lead these Chambers among federal, provincial, and local branches depending on which office they are running for.
Chambers of Justice
There are two Chambers in this branch of government: Legacy Committee and the Chamber of Law, or the court system. The only requirements to serve on these local and federal boards is to be elected by the constituents of any county/province, must be a legal adult, and have some relevant background in law or legal practices. The Legacy Committee is dedicated to interpreting potential laws, as well as established laws, for their legality, morality, and lasting impact or precedence. The Chamber of Law serves as a court to settle legal disputes or criminal trials, but this sect of government is also tasked with keeping civil records, such as births, deaths, wills/last wishes, and property records.
Chambers of Commons
Also at the federal and local levels, there are no other requirements besides an age and elective requirement to serve in the law-making bodies of Tenebris. The Chambers of Commons used to be comprised solely of lords and ladies, and the people of Tenebris had no say in the laws passed or brought forward in the Chambers of Commons until the political reformation of six centuries ago. Now, all citizens of Tenebris, regardless of status or wealth, can campaign for political office and join the ranks of Representatives chosen to exact the will and best interests of their constituents.
Representatives and Judges don’t serve very long, with term limits as well as electability limits (as in they can only hold a political office twice in their lifetime, regardless of the branch they are running for). Politics isn’t a career in Tenebris. It’s a service and civil duty meant to better the country for the future and make the present a better place to live for as many people as possible. Laws are not passed lightly, as the country has learned from its predecessors that too many laws interfere with each other and make the freedom promised by their independence from Corvus impossible to preserve for future generations.
Now that you’re in the know on how the kingdom is governed, step into the country of Tenebris and learn all about its culture and mystique when you read Fire & Flight, coming soon!