Editing Titanic Ring (section)

== Ruling Structure on the Titanic Ring ==
Sometimes referred to as the “Calm Ring,” the Titanic Ring is unified under a single governmental system. The ring operates under an Elective Monarchy where each of the Retainer Counts elects two rulers to serve a twelve year term. So far, the Counts have always elected the Twin Empresses in a landslide victory. 

Below the Empresses are the Retainer Counts. Once appointed, a Retainer Count retains their position for life or until they: are removed by unanimous decision by the rulers, relieved of duty by nine present Seraphs via written directive, stripped of title by committing a high crime, pass their position to another with the support of two-thirds of the other Retainer Counts, or retire from the position leaving the office open for election by the population of the county. 

A Retainer Count has the power to pass laws in their county, manage the administration, raise armies, and levy taxes. They are granted extensive powers by the Twin Empresses to the point where they are considered rulers in their own right. Somewhat controversially, no Retainer Count has ever been removed from their position by the Twin Empresses. 

Finally, each city and town within a county is broken into a barony. Each barony is overseen by a baron or a baroness. The leader of a baron is responsible for local policy-making, the raising of militias, setting a budget for the town, organizing a fiscal plan, maintaining local courts, and providing for the “general welfare and health of their subjects.” This final power has led some barons and baronesses to abuse their power in the name of general welfare. Count Helmuth von Grayz is personally responsible for the capture and/or execution of thirty-six of these individuals. <blockquote>“Your mistake was expecting one of the Empresses. Why waste their time on filth like you? My hands and that cliff will do.”</blockquote>-Count Helmuth von Grayz moments before throwing a traitor baron off his cliffside estate.