for the ask meme: 2, 12, 22
Hi Gabe, thank you for the questions, both the creation of that awesome array and for the ask!!
2. What are your country’s succession laws? Is inheritance restricted in any way by legitimacy, age, gender, ability, or other factors? Can your monarch choose their successor?
Taraeth is an elected monarchy as the Clan system governs succession. Within the clan, Chief/Kings are chosen by the "True Kin", which are Senior Clan Members that can claim relation to the most recent Chief/King’s great-grandparent, who also must have been Chief/King. Each True Kin is a candidate, however, they typically back the monarch’s intended successor to promote a united front. Any Chief/King and their Second, the Tanist, must be of the age of majority and be of sound mind and body. Historically, male heirs have been given preferences, however, male descendants of a Chief/King’s daughter have been recognized as True Kin. With the reestablishment of Taraeth’s monarchy in 1925, female descendants became True Kin so long as they did not leave their birth clan and swear allegiance to another, which typically happened during marriage.
In the case of modern Taraeth, the O Neills select an individual they intend to elect as Tanist to participate in the Pageant of Hostages, specifically to give the nation an idea as to who will eventually succeed and provide the other Great Clans the opportunity to put one of their relatives on the High Seat. So while High King Damhnaic’s Tanist is his uncle, High Lord Kean, the True Kin are currently backing High Lord Orrin as future Tanist.
12. Can private citizens criticize or insult the monarch or the monarchy? Are there penalties for private citizens who critique or insult the monarch or royal family? Are those penalties enforced?
Absolutely! Taraeth supports freedom of speech and of the press up to the point of endangering the safety of an individual or group. Ultimately, it is the clansmen who give their Chief/Kings the right to rule through their support. In turn, Chiefs/Kings have a responsibility to their people, which includes listening to their grievances. Doesn’t mean they have to like it though lol!!
22. If royal marriages must be approved, what does the approval process look like? What kinds of factors are considered? Do all members of the royal family require formal approval, or only those close to the throne?
The only official approval required is religious, as the Catholic Church has requirements one must meet to enter into marriage. The unofficial approval is more concerning however. Essentially, marriage is an influential factor in whether a True Kin will be selected as a potential ruler. The better the match, the more likely they are to have support. Therefore, it’s the individual discretion as to how much they value the opinions of their family when they are picking a spouse!!
There is also financial incentive, as a Chief/King can withdraw support at their discretion, including if they disapprove of a marriage. This is actually what happened to Damhnaic’s brother, Driscoll, while their father was High King!!
