The political makeup of Armengar is often incomprehensible to outsiders. Whereas many states have systems which evolved through either design or conquest, the Armengarian system is the product of a clash between ideals, ancestral fiat and necessity.
Like much else in Armengar, the political structure owes much to the trade off between two of Armengar's most cherished virtues - freedom and loyalty. This has resulted in two distinct sources of authority on the island. On the one hand, Armengarians have been taught to value their freedom with an almost fanatical zeal and this is expressed through the Volksraad. On the other hand, the loyalty of the citizens to the society as a whole leads to a great deal of power residing in the Protector.
The Volksraad
The doctrines of the Temple of Heramacles recount that in the early days of Armengar the people were lost and didn't know how to deal with the burden of freedom. Having been enslaved for generations, the habit of following orders was deeply ingrained into them. In desperation, they turned to Heramacles and begged him to be their ruler. Heramacles was incensed and refused, arguing that as adults and a free people they must not quail from their responsibitily to make their own decisions. When his people were still confused, he bade them gather in the following manner -
"Here in this hall, let everyone gather, as often as may be needed, but at lest four times in the year. Here all may speak without fear or favour, expressing their opinions freely. Here you shall debate your laws and governance, and when all have spoken who wish to, here you shall vote, that all may have a voice in matters of importance. Thus shall you rule yourselves fairly and freely."
Based on this pattern, the Volksraad has endured across the centuries. Chaired by the Lawkeeper, it is deemed the highest authority in the land and a place where all may air their views. The Volksraad may vote on any matter of import to the society as a whole and are guarunteed a right to express their opinion, and all stand as equals with rank and position deemed irrelevant. The Volksraad also appoints the Protector.
The Protector
The role of the Protector is a source of some speculation. By conception, the Protector's role is to look out for the security and well being of the people of Armengar. To what extent his authority extends in this regard is unclear. During the times of the Caleb threat, it was largely accepted that the Protector led Armengar as every day was a struggle for survival and hence his role was ascendant. Since the coming of peace however, the situation is not so clear. After centuries of deferring to the Protector, many still continue to do so. Others believe that the Protector now oversteps his responsibilities, and wish to return to a more democratic form of government, with the Protector being a nominal head of state for the purposes of dealing with foreign nations.
Reconciling the sources of power is difficult, not least because there is no written record of Armengarian laws. The situation is further complicated by the high profile of the military and its accompanying rank structures.
As the citizens of Amnor were under constant threat from Caleb attack, high priority was placed on military acumen. As such, all children trained from the age of five. This has led to a deep and abiding respect for command structure being forged in the citizenry. The emergence of new crafts has muddied the waters though.
Crime and Punishment
Laws in Armengar are quite simple - a product of a society which stook together against adversity. There are three main classifications of crime and punishments which accompany them.
Severe - Assigned to Training Camp
Murder
Attempted murder
Assault on an Armengarian
Repeated Dereliction of duty
Moderate - Assigned to the Box
Theft
Oath Breaking
Insubordination (multiple times)
Incompetence on Duty
Dereliction of Duty
Petty - Incarceration or Extra Duties
Public order offences
Vandalism
Destruction of non-essential property
Insubordination
(Three times in the known history of Armengar, summary execution has been used. Each time, the crime was High Treason.)
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