THE COMMONWEALTH CONSTITUTION, 1927 IC

[Commonwealth of the Petra 361]

— The CONSTITUTION of the COMMONWEALTH of the PETRA —

 

 

in the service of LIBERTY, CHIVALRY, and JUSTICE

 

with UNITY of MIND, we do affirm this INSTRUMENT of GOVERNMENT

 

 

may the chroniclers of the COMMONWEALTH remember this as the dawn of

—  THE SECOND ERA — 

—  the TABLE of CONTENTS — 

 

ARTICLE I. the PREAMBLE to the CONSTITUTION

•  CHAPTER I. the PROCLAMATION of NENZING

•  CHAPTER II. the DECLARATION at MOUNT GARMONT

•  CHAPTER III. the DECREE of ALDTREE

 

 

ARTICLE II. the RIVER COUNCIL

•  CHAPTER I. the CHANCELLERY

•  CHAPTER II. the COUNCIL

 

 

ARTICLE III. the ROUND TABLE

•  CHAPTER I. the TABLE

•  CHAPTER II. the ORATORY

•  CHAPTER III. the KNIGHTS

•  CHAPTER IV. the DELEGATES

 

 

ARTICLE IV. the CROWN of SAINT EMMA

•  CHAPTER I. the SALVIAN INHERITANCE

•  CHAPTER II. the THRONE of GARMONT

•  CHAPTER III. the RIVER COURT

•  CHAPTER IV. the HOUSE of the PETRA

 

 

ARTICLE V. the EPILOGUE

•  CHAPTER I. the EXORDIUM on AUTHORITY

•  CHAPTER II. the POSTSCRIPT on LIBERTY

•  CHAPTER III. the SCROLL of HEROES

 

ARTICLE I, formally known as 

—  the PREAMBLE to the CONSTITUTION — 

 

CHAPTER I. the PROCLAMATION of NENZING

 

Spoiler

Humanity, created by God in the image of His Prophets, is bestowed upon through His Divine Power the guaranteed, inalienable rights of Man, held above all law and rule. Through the power of the State, they are enforced and protected immaculate and indefinite, only transgressed by committing a mortal sin. 

 

The Rights of Man include; 

 

● THE RIGHT TO LIFE, so no man will ever be taken to the Skies so soon. 

 

● THE RIGHT TO LIBERTY, so no man will ever be bonded by the shackles of slavery. 

 

● THE RIGHT TO TRIAL, so no man will ever be wrongly accused when not charged by a trial of their peers. 

 

These rights are the backbone of human liberty and law, preventing the slip of chaos as seen in time immemorial, acting as a shield before the dark arrows of tyranny and selfish ambition. All sons of the First Prophet, no matter of blood, language, or culture, carry upon them these golden laurels of freedom. 

 

- Joseph the Liberator, 1718 | Holy Orenian Emperor 

 

 

CHAPTER II. the DECLARATION at MOUNT GARMONT

 

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We the disparate lords, gentrymen, and peoples otherwise of the Petra do pledge our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor to the establishment of this Constitution upon the foundations of liberty and meritocracy. Let this charter be the highest law of the land, an inalienable contract for the formation of this Commonwealth of the Petra.

 

- Paul ‘Fairweather’, 1885 | 1st Sovereign of the Commonwealth of the Petra

 

 

CHAPTER III. the DECREE of ALDTREE

 

 

Spoiler

LO, unto the Petrans,

 

Since our founding by the great Paul Salvian, first Archduke of the Petra, our Commonwealth has stood as a beacon of chivalrous liberties in the Heartlands. 

 

While our system of government has been codified before, in the manifold constitutional documents of the past, many of these instruments have as of late fallen into disrepair and disuse. To remedy this, it is our desire to publish a concise system of government, as a reference, to guide and consolidate us in the furtherance of our knight’s republic.

 

Therefore, it is by our archducal will that this document be promulgated as the Instrument of Government of 1906, and shall serve as an abridged constitution enumerating the means of government of the Commonwealth of the Petra. 

 

Petra, Flowing Water! Ave! Ave!

 

- Renilde the Lioness, 1926 | 2nd Sovereign of the Commonwealth of the Petra

 

ARTICLE II, chiefly concerning

—  the RIVER COUNCIL — 

 

CHAPTER I. the CHANCELLERY

 

 

Spoiler

Named for the great River Petra, the lifeblood of the Commonwealth and the core of our society, the River Council shall serve as the sovereign’s executive cabinet and shall advise her on matters of sensitive import. It shall be led by the Chancellery, which shall comprise the following positions. These officers will be appointed directly by the sovereign. 

 

I. LE CHANZLE | The Chancellor | head of government

II. LE DEPUTE CHANZLE | The Vice Chancellor | second in command

III. LE PAIRE | The Grand Peer | surveyor of lands

 

 

 

CHAPTER II. the COUNCIL

 

 

Spoiler

As great officers of state, these esteemed dignitaries fulfill the various functions necessary to ensure good governance. These officers are appointed by the Chancellery with the consent of the Round Table and the sovereign. They have broad portfolios, and may appoint subsidiary officers within their offices as they see fit. 

 

I. LE ORATEUR | The Grand Speaker | chair of the round table

II. LE GÉNÉRAL | The General | commander of the armed forces

III. LE CHIVALIYONT | The Grand Knight | chivalry, knighthoods, cavalry

IV. LE COMMISSAIRE | The Grand Steward | housing, commerce, guilds

V. LE ATTACHANTE | The Grand Envoy | diplomacy, treaties, relations 

VI. LE REGISMONT | The Grand Treasurer | finance, taxes, property

VII. LE CURATEUR | The Grand Scholar | culture, history, tradition

VIII. LE CHAMBERLAINE | The Grand Chamberlain | court, events, parties

 

ARTICLE III, chiefly concerning

—  the ROUND TABLE  — 

 

CHAPTER I. the TABLE

 

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The Round Table consists of those members of the Petran gentry who bear knighthoods in at least one of the three chapters of the Order of the Petrine Laurel, having been anointed by the sovereign atop Mount Garmont. It is named in an homage to the chivalrous companions of the first Archduke and founder of the Commonwealth, Paul Salvian. Sessions of the Round Table are called and dissolved by the sovereign and may be presided over by her or by the Privy Seal, who serves ex officio as the chamber’s presiding officer. Serving as both a legislative and judicial body, the Round Table is empowered to:

 

● Counsel the sovereign on any such matter of governance as pertinent to the realm, with the exception of sensitive executive matters, and to move resolutions comprising their advice concerning these affairs;

● Propose candidates to the sovereign for the office of the Chancellor, and to move resolutions on these proposals; 

● Summon the officers of the sovereign’s executive cabinet for report, so as to keep abreast of the realm’s affairs;

● Impeach the officers of the sovereign’s executive cabinet in the context of investigations of misconduct;

 

The Round Table may only meet when called by the sovereign or by the Orateur when deputized to act with the sovereign’s authority, and no session may be conducted when the chamber is dissolved by that same authority. The Round Table must usually be called into session by the sovereign for a particular purpose, in which case this matter must be addressed as the priority for that meeting. 

 

 

CHAPTER II. the ORATORY

 

 

Spoiler

The Round Table is overseen by Le Orateur de la Table Ronde (also termed, the Privy Seal), who serves as the presiding delegate of table concerns. The ex-officio role of Privy Seal serves as chief deliberator during sessions of the Round Table. Duties are as follows.

 

● Calls forth meetings.

● Maintains order in debates.

● Recognizes table members that wish to speak.

● Completes the legislative process, sending passed bills for sovereign assent.

 

 

 

CHAPTER III. the KNIGHTS

 

 

Spoiler

The Round Table is composed in part by a body of Petran genty who bear knighthoods, and are hence referred to as Knights within the scope of the round table. The Knights serve permanent seats once appointed and receive a singular vote on legislative matters. Their service is predicated on their esteemed service to the state. Duties are as follows.

 

● Proposing legislation.

● Voting on legislation.

● Involvement in impeachment of officers of state under emergency circumstances.

● Summoning officers to report.

 

 

 

CHAPTER IV. the DELEGATES

 

Spoiler

A number of critical sections of society may not be adequately represented solely by the knightly class. In order to ensure the health of the Republic, we therefore do award particular demographics the right to appoint a delegate, who shall serve as a voting member of the Round Table, equal in status to the knights. Anyone endowed with the power to appoint a delegate may choose to appoint themselves. For example, the Mayor of Vallagne may themselves serve as the Capital Delegate.

 

● Special Delegates

- The Pontifical Delegate | appointed by the Holy Pontiff

- The People’s Delegate | appointed by lottery

- The Sovereign’s Delegate | appointed directly by the sovereign

● Local Delegates

- The Capital Delegate | appointed by the Mayor of Vallagne

- The Vassal Delegates | appointed by local leaders

 

In addition, the Orateur may invite Observers as they see fit. These Observers will be ex officio, non-voting members, but may attend meetings, participate in debate, and engage in the day-to-day activities of the Round Table.

ARTICLE IV, chiefly concerning

—  the CROWN of SAINT EMMA — 

 

CHAPTER I. the SALVIAN INHERITANCE

 

Spoiler

The regnant Archduchess, or Archduke, of the Commonwealth shall be the sole arbiter of succession within the House of the Petra. It shall be their duty to designate their successor from amongst the direct bloodline of Paul Salvian. 

 

However, individuals within the House of the Petra must meeting all of the following criteria in order to be considered:
 

I. Be of the direct bloodline of the first Archduke of the Petra, Paul I.

II. Remain in good standing with the sovereign law and authorities of the Commonwealth, having not engaged in treasonous activity nor been disowned.

III. Live within the Commonwealth of the Petra as their primary residence.

IV. Hold no sworn allegiances, nor oaths, to any sovereign state other than the Commonwealth of the Petra.

 

This instrument of succession may only be amended with both the consent of the regnant Archduke, or Archduchess, and that of a majority of the Round Table.

 

 

CHAPTER II. the THRONE of GARMONT

 

 

Spoiler

The regnant Archduchess, or Archduke, of the Commonwealth enjoys privileges associated with the Throne of Garmont. These are the specific Constitutional duties enjoyed by the sovereign. Unenumerated duties are determined by statute.

 

I. Direct the Chanzlé in the day-to-day administration of the state.

II. Give or deny assent to laws passed by the Round Table. 

III. Serve as the embodiment of the core values of the Commonwealth: liberty, chivalry, and justice.

 

 

 

CHAPTER III. the HOUSE of the PETRA

 

 

Spoiler

Maintained by the Regismont, this is a roster of currently eligible candidates for the Throne of Garmont. In accordance with Chapter I of this Article, candidates must meet all stated requirements, and be in good standing in the Commonwealth. This list is in chronological order per the sovereign’s ordinance.

 

I. Her Serene Highness, The Princess of Vallagne, Winnifred Adalia

II. His Serene Highness, The Prince of Valfleur, Paul Alexander 

 

ARTICLE V, chiefly concerning

—  the EPILOGUE— 

 

CHAPTER I. the EXORDIUM on AUTHORITY

 

Spoiler

It is the crown of piety that adorns the sovereign above all other ornaments of kingship. Wealth vanishes; glory perishes, but the gift of God-given government is eternal, and it sets its possessors beyond the reach of oblivion. 

 

By the hand of Holy Pontiffs, the sovereign is bestowed a dignity beyond all honors, for it is a dignity bestowed by God. His soul is rendered pure upon ascent and thenceforth reflects the state of his dominions; if sallow be his domain, his spirit languishes in its equal. 

 

The sovereign is eminent in all things; he is above the sun that retreats before darkness, and the seas which accede to the ravings of the stars. He is greater than the winds which toss without abandon, and the earth that lays indolent still despite calamity. The sovereign is their nation manifest: successor to its prophets and representative to the world, who provides their esteemed folk with just governance. 

 

- Charles Polycarp, 1527 | Prince-Father of the Holy Orenian Empire, Metropolitan Bishop of Felsen

 

 

CHAPTER II. the POSTSCRIPT on LIBERTY

 

Spoiler

Liberty; the state of being free from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one’s way of life. Verily exuding from Our great Commonwealth, it is the driving force of any Republic. Though nearly taken from even the most independent of Our People in a war driven by low self-esteem, We are fierce.

 

The determination of Our Citizenry is what has invigorated Petrine Society into this inspiring Second Era. From our foundation during the Harvest Revolution until now, we have established a precedence of greatness and a reputation for recuperation. All glory must be given to GOD for the perseverance of our Republic.

 

Let us never forsake one another again – for we all have one thing in common, fondness for the ever-flowing River Petra and a burning passion for success.

 

- Sir Laurens Halcourt, 1926 | Chanzlé of the Commonwealth of the Petra, Marquis du Clermont, Baron d'Artois

 

 

CHAPTER III. the SCROLL of HEROES

 

 

Spoiler

THE THRONE OF GARMONT

I. PAUL I FAIRWEATHER | Paul Salvian of the Petra | 1884 - 1894

II. RENILDE I the LIONESS | Renilde Helena of Valfleur | 1894 - Present

 

THE CHANCELLERY

I. CATHERINE the PHOENIX | Catherine Anastasia of Furnestock | 1884 - 1890

II. BERNARD the BRIDGEBUILDER | Bernard Luc of Halcourt af Brasca | 1890 - 1896 

III. MATILDE the HIGHBORNE | Matilde Fredericka of Mardon |  1896 - 1902

IV. LOUIS the PERFIDIOUS | Louis Valencour of Azor |  1902 - 1908

V. LAURENS the UNWAVERING | Laurens Henri of Halcourt d’Artois | 1908 - 1936
VI. NICOLAS the GOOD | Nicolas Wittenach | 1936 - Present

 

 

 

Dated 131 S.S., 1927 IC

Spoiler

Done in Convention by the Will of the Undersigned, we present this Constitution.

In witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed Our Names.

 

Her Serene Highness the Archduchess {

        Renilde Helena [@tilly]

 

His Serene Highness the Archduke-Consort {

        Marius Audemar of Haense [@Mio]

 

The Highborne Peers {

        Laurens Henri Halcourt d’Artois [@Chorale__]

        Godfrey Marcellus Temesch [@MCVDK]

        Pyetur Mosu [@MisterBlitzkrieg]

        Norra Terrin [@Candle]

        Xavier Adiler [@Bird7k]

 

The Sovereign Order of the Petrine Laurel {

        Sir Bernard Luc Halcourt [@Lyonharted]

        Sir Ledicort d’Azor [@HogoBojo]

        Sir Nicolas Wittenbach [@Etow]

        Sir James Wursur [@Wholesome_Thomas]

        Sir Frederick Leopold de Joannes [@outcook]

        Sir Bo Blackwell [@The Journalist]

        Dame Mayan Avern [@TheGayGuardian2]

 

Free Citizens Hitherto Assembled {

        Baldwin Pascal Halcourt af Brasca [@Lyonharted]

        Sigmund Sigvardson [@TheEnglishDuck]

        Johannes Hoffman [@big_____grin]

        Ada Bel Halcourt af Brasca [@Orlesian]

        Estrid Sigvardson [@Pinks]

        Rhosyn Autumn Mosu [@Zemzy_Oakheart]

        Azrael Adiler [@Kaii]

        Prince Paul Alexander [@Chorale__]

        Frederic Bernard Halcourt d’Artois [@Sprinkles]

        Princess Winifred Adalia [@AndrewTech]

        Victor Olivier Halcourt d’Artois [@Cubicita]

        Egmont Halcourt af Brasca [@Afrodescendiente]

 

Edited August 5, 2023 by Commonwealth of the Petra

[Inkthorn 1434]

Baldwin of Brasca smiles the Sun's Smile, having done his part in crafting this reformed system of governance. He looks to his siblings and raises his glass in celebration. "Viva la Commonwealth!" The young Brascanite promptly drowns his glass of wine, then the whole bottle.  @Afrodescendiente @Orlesian @Tigergiri @SirB0ng0 @Pork

[Chorale__ 2147]

"Vive le Petra!" shouted the Chanzlé

[The Journalist 83]

Viva le Petra!

[tilly 5115]

"Perfect." Renilde told her new River Council, rolling up the soon-to-be referenced-to document and putting it in a nearby drawer. "We'll bring this up at court tonight."

[MisterBlitzkrieg 1357]

"Who in the goddamn signed my name and did it wrong?" exclaimed ''Pyetur''

 

[L1veLaughLich 425]

i love petra!!

[sondher 797]

Justine surveyed the document with a determined speed before raising her gaze, her blue irises glimmering with hope for her newfound home, "Viva le Petra!" She exclaimed wholeheartedly!