Arcanus

The Arcanus evolved from the old title of Crimson Cardinal and is responsible for all the arcane things that go on in Akashat. Magic exists in Akashat at the pleasure of the Arcanus. The creation of most magical items in Akashat, are done with the blessing of the Arcanus. The Arcanus tithes all entertainment businesses in an unofficial manner. In essence this is extortion. Businesses that do not pay up, generally suffer in some way. The Arcanus also has a (near) monopoly on the creation of magical wares to supplement income. Income helps maintain the Tower, protect its treasures, and bribe key officials when needed.

The Arcanus' right hand VIP is the Consular. The Arcanus may appoint any other employees that they wish to keep on their list, but the Consular is considered their "next in line" and can step in for them at official functions, etc.

The Arcanus need not have magic powers to begin with, as assuming the title after election requires them to complete a ritual which will leave them with access to the very core of magic power in the city. Thus they can come to an understanding of magic after the fact, and any changes that the player wishes to rp can be attributed to the influx of this power, but need not be permanent or stay with the character after leaving office.

Theme regarding the Arcanus’ control of magic power :

When a new Arcanus is elected they must receive the amulet directly from the old Arcanus. The Amulet channels the dark power of the Tower itself to the new Arcanus and binds irrevocably to them, and when they leave, the power is channeled back to the Tower to await the next embodiment of the Arcanus. The process can be a deadly one and for a full day the new Arcanus must mentally cope with the power received. Surviving the ordeal grants the Arcanus their powers and may result in side effects (these side effects are up to the individual Arcanus to choose or not, and they may or may not be lasting when they leave office as the player wishes).

The Tower's Power is absorbed from crossing of ley lines in the dream city upon which it is built as the hub of all. The power of the Tower cannot be channeled or controlled in any other way save through the amulet, and if anyone other than the current sitting Arcanus managed to take it in some way, they will most likely die.

Suggested points to generate rp :

1) The Arcanus can try to use their powers to 'force' Akashat into their vision of what is right. Usually this will be opposed and generate rp. This can be as flagrant or subtle as the player wishes.

2) Politic rp - Assisting or opposing the other rulers, creating bills for the House to try and pass.

3) Assisting one of the other Triumvirate members, creating bills in the House of Lords. They tend to be most often at odds with the Emir (who protects the city and more often the status quo).

4) Parties and events - ranging from musical celebrations to bizarre rituals. From benign to those designed to induce darker impulses.

5) The easiest method to design a plot to engage players is to find a way to oppress or intimidate the people. This will usually generate a response in which players have to end the oppression by direct force, guile, or negotiation. Somehow 'oppress' the people, and then let players fight, trick, or beg their way out of it.