High Archon

The High Archon is responsible for, in collaboration with the Council, setting policy goals (primarily relating to military and public safety affairs) for the Platinum Empire and is the nominal head of the Imperial Army.

The High Archon is elected by the Platin Congress and the Council - a simple majority of both the Congress and the Archons is sufficient to appoint a High Archon, with the consent of the Emperor.

In most votes, the High Archon stays neutral, asking probing questions. He is, however, empowered to break ties, and can veto anything but a unanimous decision by the four Archons.

In elections to replace a deceased Archon, however, the High Archon has no specific veto power, but his or her vote is worth double. Functionally, this is the same result; only a united front of the three Archons can overcome the Archon's decision. It is different insofar as the Archon can propose and cast votes for a particular outcome; in normal Council meetings, the veto is a purely negatory procedure. This procedure emerged to ensure that vacancies could be filled without deadlock.

The High Archon is the only Council member who can commence disciplinary proceedings against one of the Archons.

A High Archon can be removed in two primary ways: :

1)  A High Archon can be impeached and removed by a unanimous vote of other Council members, including the Hands of all Archons, and the Hand of the High Archon himself. This allows the Council to proceed with taking necessary actions in times of national emergency. However, the Platin Congress and the Emperor must ratify the impeachment within one week. If it does not do so, the High Archon is reinstated and all Archons removed from their positions. If this occurs, the High Archon has the power to nominate an Archon for approval by the Platin Congress.

2) A High Archon can be impeached and removed by a two-thirds vote of the Council and Platin Congress, with at least three Archons voting in favor of impeachment, and the consent of the Emperor. A new High Archon is then selected by the Platin Congress as usual. This process has occasionally been used to remove aging High Archons if there is a perception that they are losing their edge.

Absent one of these occurrences, a High Archon serves for life or until retirement. Functionally, most High Archons serve for something just over a decade. Roughly half die in office and half retire, with a few scattered impeachments through the years.

Privately, many High Archons lament that after taking office they gain symbolic influence but lose most of their connection to actual events on the ground.

The current High Archon is Selver Carcani.