! ~ Utopian Titles ~ !
There are Titles awarded to Citizens of Utopia, whether they are in Governance or nor, in the Sentinels or Not; to any citizen of sufficient strength and skill. They are required to swear fealty to the Principles of Utopia (much like a sentinel) and are granted a small parcel of land and stipend; while the Title grants no major authority, the holder is likely to become well known and respected, helping obtain position in Government should they want to. They, like Sentinel officers, are empowered to act as Judges.
Collectively they are often known as Soldat – or Soldiers; on an individual basis they may choose to use an equivalent term in the language of their choice, but for most official business they will be referred to in the German title.
Utopian Titles (Strength and Skill based)
» Übersoldat – Super Soldier – Must be [EL-W]* or [EL-A] – Obtained in character
» Kriegsherr – Warlord – Must be [ML-S]* or [EL-W] – Obtained in character
» Kämpfer – Champion – Must be [ML-W]* or [ML-A] – Major boost
» Chevalier – Knight – Must be [AL-S] – Minor boost
» Kreiger – Warrior – Can be included in a standard profile
Detailed Title Information:
» Übersoldat – Super Soldier – Must be obtained in character
» Must be [EL-W] & have all releases; OR Must be [EL-A]
» Almost unheard of, none of these titles have so far been granted; they are awarded only to those who are amongst the very elite, few will ever reach this pinnacle. They hold large parcels of land, with quite exorbitant stipends, and often many of their servants are sworn to their service. They are usually extremely well known throughout Utopia, they also have strong recognition in the areas outside of Utopia.
» Kriegsherr – Warlord – Must be obtained in character
» Must be [ML-S] & have all releases; OR Must be [EL-W]
» Very rare, so far there are none of these titles granted, it denotes a level of power and skill that is extraordinary. They hold significant parcels of land and very generous stipends. Sometimes, some of their servants are sworn to their service. They are usually extremely well known throughout Utopia, they also have growing recognition in the areas outside of Utopia.
» Kämpfer – Champion –
Major boost – Equivalent of Soul Society Captain» Must be [ML-W] & have all releases ; OR Must be [ML-A]
» There are only a few of these titles that have been granted so far, they are those of substantial strength and skill. They hold moderate parcels of land and a generous stipend, a significant number of citizens assist in maintaining their properties. They are well known throughout Utopia.
» Chevalier – Knight –
Minor boost – Equivalent of Soul Society Lieutenant» Must be [AL-S]
» One of the lower titles, but quite rare, it denotes significant martial prowess. They usually hold slightly larger than standard parcels of land, a modest stipend and a small number of citizens assist in maintaining their properties. Well known in their immediate area and within the Sentinels.
» Kreiger – Warrior – Can be included in a standard profile
» The lowest of the titles, they are nonetheless considered apt combatants and most Utopian citizens are less powerful or skilled. They hold a standard sized residence but are given a slight stipend. They are sometimes well known in their area, though that depends on how outgoing they are.
! ~ Utopian Government and the Sentinels ~ !
Within Utopia, the Government which determines Civil matters, including law, the economy, provision of infrastructure such as plumbing, roads, hospitals and the like; and the Security Force known as the Sentinels, which enforces the law within Utopia, provides Judicial services and intervenes in Soul affairs outside of Utopia within Hueco Mundo and in the Human Realm (particularly where Hollows or Arrancar are involved in conflict).
It is possible to hold a rank in one or the other, or in both at the same time – though those higher ranked in one branch cannot hold a high rank in the other. In addition to the Government and the Sentinels, there are also several Titles, these are merely honorary and are in recognition of the recipient's martial prowess.
Profiles may indicate that they have been elected as a sub-prefecture governor, or promoted as far as Lieutenant, or have been awarded the title of Kreiger (Warrior). However, higher positions MUST be attained in character. Any profile claiming a position or title, must include coming to Utopia and being awarded the Title, running for and being elected to the position within the Government or signing up for the Sentinels and being promoted to the rank.
! ~ Utopia Government Hierarchy ~ !
» Governors are responsible for law creation and the economy, they also run infrastructure such as hospitals and schools
» Elected position (about 4-5 are held every year, they are ten year terms)
» Governors swear fealty to the Utopian Governor, not just the Utopian ideals
Government Ranks (Popularity, perceived wisdom and position based)
»
Utopia Governor / Kaiser – Can issue 'edicts' & governs Sentinel controlled areas
»
Chancellor / Consol – One of the Prefecture Governors, elected by the others (cannot be selected in a profile except with permission)
»
Prefecture Governor / Prefect – Fourty Seven in the
'Forum', make most of the laws, budgets etc, responsible for a region (can be selected in a profile, but not by Captains)
»
Sub-prefecture Governor / Bailiff – Do the work that is expected of them according to the Forum, responsible for a small village/town/city (can be selected in a profile)
Detailed Utopian Government Information:
Government Ranks » Utopia Governor / Kaiser – Loki von Verlassen. Position is responsible for passing edicts, foreign relations management, general Utopian governance and law creation in Sentinel controlled non prefecture areas. While other Governors swear fealty to the Utopian Governor, he or she in turn swears fealty to the principle of Utopia.
» That all souls living or not, be afforded the opportunity to exist in peace and freedom, restricted only by their compliance with the laws of society and of their respect for those same opportunities in others.
To this end, the Utopian Governor works to:
- Provide all souls with the opportunity to exist in safety, security and prosperity as Utopian Citizens
- Extending to non citizens similar rights as Citizens, including protection from persecution - provided adherence to Utopian laws.
- Enable Utopian Citizens the opportunity to influence and be involved in their own Governance.
» Chancellor / Consol – The Fourty Seven Prefecture Governors elect a spokesperson called a Consul, this leaves Fourty Six Prefecture Governors in a trite salute to the Shinigami equivalent. The Consol is usually without vote, except in a deadlock, however he or she does wield incredible political clout even then, as they manage the Forum, an immense classical Japanese pagoda in Tokyo based on the Japanese Imperial Palace; these powers include controlling who may speak and when within the forum (though any citizen can appeal to the Utopian Governor for the chance to speak) and when votes may be taken. They are also the main Civic Adviser to the Utopian Governor, however other advisors may also be provided. The Consul is granted immunity from the Utopian Governor attempting to remove them from their position (except in times of war).
» Prefecture Governor / Prefect – There are Fourty Seven prefectures – see . Position is responsible for prefecture governance and economic management; Prefecture Governors are responsible for most Utopian law creation in the Forum. Their estates often tend towards 'palaces', as they are usually exceedingly wealthy. However they are unable to become Captains within the Sentinels and their travel is very closely monitored.
» Sub-prefecture Governor / Bailiff – The number of these depends on the prefecture and each is responsible for either a City, Town or Village. Given the sparsity of Utopian citizens, the number of sub-prefectures is vastly diminished as is the number of inhabitants in each. The Sub-prefecture Governor is responsible for sub prefecture governance and economic management. Large but modest estates are the norm, these individuals are usually quite wealthy.
Most governors employ a staff, the size of which depends on their wealth and position; often including bodyguards and a small Constabulary or Militia, usually these are designated members of the Sentinels, but on occasion these are citizens, particularly in the event of Sentinel corruption. Characters
cannot drag bodyguards / fighters etc around with them; they are to be used for defensive purposes only, guarding within Utopia or on Utopia government business ONLY. If this is abused, they lose their Governancy; using these individuals to protect the Governor in the event where the Governor baits someone into attacking them is also prohibited.
As the birthrate remains extremely low, there is no established hereditary and the class system is a meritocracy. However as the birthrate over the last twenty years has increased, a class system is beginning to emerge as one is beginning to emerge as the wealthy seek to pass on gains to their descendants should they pass away; as aging occurs at a very slow rate, the emergence of such a system is minimal thus far. Some parties, particularly amongst the Governors, would wish to see a hereditary class system, entrenched through Utopia by creating 'Noble Houses' (with themselves as the founders of course) similar to that of Soul Society; this has been avoided thus far and is vehemently opposed by the Sentinels – however the Governors are seeking to curry favour with the Titleholders who are generally well respected throughout Utopian society.
Currently, sub-prefecture and prefecture governors are elected once every ten years, this is done by popular vote within the region. While, it is possible for the Utopian Governor to replace any governor (except the Consul) at any time, this is usually not used except in the event of death, grave illness, disappearance or perceived unlawfulness.
! ~ The Sentinels~ !
» Sentinels are empowered with responsibilities similar to the Police within Japan
» Sentinel Officers empowered similarly to the Judiciary within Japan
» The non-Japanese islands in Utopia (Western and Northern) are their domain, others exist within the Japanese islands, but the non-Japanese islands are theirs alone.
» Sentinels swear fealty to the Utopian ideology, not to the Utopian Governor
Sentinel Ranks (Competence, personality and experience based)
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General Elected by the Captains (cannot be selected in a profile except with permission)
»
Captain (can be selected in a profile, but not by Prefecture Governors)
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Lieutenant (can be selected in profiles)
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Sergeant (can be selected in profiles)
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Corporal (can be selected in profiles)
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Sentinel (can be selected in profiles)
Sentinel Units (Not Fixed, depends on commanders and the mission)
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Company – approx ~200 Sentinels; led by a Captain
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Platoon – approx ~50 Sentinels; led by a Lieutenant
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Section – approx ~25 Sentinels; led by a Sergeant
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Squad – approx ~4-8 Sentinels; led by a Corporal
Sentinel UniformBecause of the fact that many of the sentinels vary drastically in size and shape, the ability to provide a standard uniform is limited. To this end, many Sentinels merely wear an Armband or some form of prominent jewellery with the wearer's name, rank and unit displayed on it (on jewellery this is usually inscribed on the back) – such items invariably also contain the sentinel crest, a cone which is green at the tip then half way through it turns to blue, white fluffy 'clouds' and a golden stylised depiction of the sun.
» The Crest is created with a tiny portion of crystal found solely within Utopia (created by grinding up Gel created crystals); when reiatsu is concentrated in this, it enables the wearer to create a beacon of their energy. This uniquely identifies to the specific Sentinel as well as authenticating the Sentinel specific crystal.
» It also doubles with providing the wearer with the Substraction technique effect, when this is pressed against a suitable target; it can then send the newly created Hollow to Utopia if desired. In this way it is very similar to the Soul Burial process use by Shinigami, except there is no attempt to judge the soul or cleanse its sins.
» Those in the intelligence units and other attempts to remain covert, often go without the crest and identification.
Detailed Sentinel Information:
A growing military movement has now become noticeable as those within Utopia seek to extend their influence outside of Utopia itself. The most driving issue for the Sentinels appears to be the attempt to protect souls, whilst giving people the choice of being able to reside in peace without the need to consume one another to exist; whether protecting humans from hollows, hollows from their comrades or from others, such as Shinigami.
Outside of Utopia, they attempt to expand the influence of the Utopian ideology, in particular in the human realm upon encountering other Hollows or Arrancar; while they do not force anyone to become Utopian citizens, if they encounter those attacking or enslaving other souls they are authorised to intervene, forcibly if necessary – regardless of the identity of aggressor or their target.
Within Utopia every Sentinel is empowered with responsibilities similar to the Police within Japan; this includes arrest and holding to face charges. Sentinel Officers (and Title holders) empowered similarly to the Judiciary within Japan; they act as judges and adjudicators as well as carrying out punishments where appropriate.
Because sentinels swear fealty to the Utopian ideology, not to the Utopian Governor; as such they are a vital check on the Utopian Governor as well as the rest of the Utopian Government. However, while they do not swear fealty, they are still under the direction of the Utopian Governor who also creates laws for the Sentinel controlled areas. Sentinels are not required to follow the directions of any Governor except when following an edict from the Utopian Governor, however they must follow the law just like any other citizen in Utopia.
The non Japanese Islands within Utopia are used solely by the Sentinels, however transport can be found here to enable those unable to swim or fly to the islands access to the Japanese Islands of Utopia, since numerous docks, manned by ferries line the coast. It is also important to note that there are a number of training grounds and Sekki sekki holding areas for criminals here in addition to land provided for Sentinels (though they may choose to live elsewhere, there is significant parcels of land available for them here).
Lately some members of the Sentinels have sought to have compulsory military service for all Utopian citizens, this would last for four years every fifty years – however this has not yet gained any traction among most governors within the Forum.
Sentinel Ranks (Competence, personality and experience based)
» General – Currently Unfilled. Elected by the Captains, but a vote cannot happen in a time of war (when only the Utopian Governor may replace the General). In terms of the Sentinels themselves, the General is a first among equals, not technically 'higher' than a captain, they do not give orders but rather advise to the captains, yet this advice is almost always acted upon with alacrity. The General advises the Utopian Governor on all matters relating to the Sentinels, they also often have a number of other advisors based on their speciality, for example Law Enforcement, Detention and Rehabilitation, Internal Intelligence, External Intelligence, as well as Intervention.
» Captain – Currently there are only three, each promoted by Loki von Verlassen. Company Commander; is able to overrule Prefecture Governors in matters of Utopia and Citizen defence. Has a significant stipend and land grant increase, they also get quite a bit more time off. However their travel is closely monitored due to their access to Sentinel and Utopian information. New Captains can be promoted with the agreement of any three existing captains; Captains are expected to be tactically and strategically gifted, to be both wise and clever, to develop subordinates with good leadership skills and to be capable of understanding the Utopian system of governance, to ensure the Sentinels are not being used for gain by any of the Governors. Captains are unable to become Prefecture Governors.
» Lieutenant – Platoon Commander; able to overrule District Governors in matters of Utopia and Citizen defence. Has a moderate stipend and land grant, also get a bit more time off. Lieutenants are usually promoted by their Captain, with the approval of any Corporals within their Platoon; leadership skills and the ability to think critically, even potentially bending orders where appropriate, whilst taking charge of a situation are important, but most vital is ensuring the safety of Sentinels and Utopians, under their care.
» Sergeant – Section Commander; is under the direction of a Lieutenant. Has a moderate stipend and land grant, also get a bit more time off. Whether or not there are sergeants usually depends on the composition of the Platoon and the personality of the Lieutenant, some prefer to have sergeants to designate responsibility, however within the sentinels this is an optional rank. For sergeants, the ability to work independently, to accept responsibility for designated tasks and to achieve joint goals while understanding their role is vital. In many respects this is one of the most important positions within the Sentinels.
» Corporal – Squad Commander. Has a small stipend and land grant increase. Lieutenants are appointed by the Lieutenant, usually as a result of their ability to lead troops in their appointed tasks, particularly in battle, maturity and clarity of thought are paramount.
Sentinel Unit Specialities
» Law Enforcement – these units focus on ensuring that citizens of Utopia abide by the law, they usually work quite closely with the Interior Intelligence units
» Detention and Rehabilitation – these units are responsible for detaining law breakers caught be the Law Enforcement Units, and particularly in the case of those hollows without intelligence that are captured by the Intervention Units – rehabilitating them, this is essential for those regressed hollows.
» Interior Intelligence – these units focus on gathering information within Utopia, including counter intelligence, espionage and anti-corruption units. Their major focus is on preventing corruption within the Sentinels or the Utopian Government.
» Exterior Intelligence – these units focus on gathering information outside of Utopia, they include gathering information on forces from Soul Society and Las Noches, as well as Hollow and Arrancar activity within the Human Realm – their knowledge of the Academy and Hidenseidō is currently limited.
» Intervention – these units focus primarily on intervening in Hollow or Arrancar affairs in the Human Realm and in the area of Hueco Mundo adjacent to Utopia. They may clash with Hollows, Arrancar or those that are hunting them, depending on who is the aggressor. They work closely with the Exterior Intelligence units as well as the Rehabilitation units.
! ~ Utopian Law and Order ~ !
General Responsibilties» The Government creates laws and suggest sentences for breaking those laws
» The Sentinels detain those suspected of breaking laws and carry out sentences
» The Sentinel Officers or Titleholders determine the guilt or innocence of those accused of breaking the law and determine a sentence appropriate for the situation
Detailed Law and Order Information:
Arrest and Detention
» Notices of arrest and detention must be given to suitable Governor and/or Titleholder
» Accused are held at the Sentinel base on the western most landmass (Chinese coast)
» Charges must be laid within three days of detention
» Trial must commence within two weeks of charges being laid – during which time the accused is able to meet in a supervised environment with one single individual whom may speak in their defence at trial.
Judgement
» Cannot be performed by the individual who arrested or detained the accused
» If a Judge determines a sentence of Execution, imposition of permanent Restraints (Physical, Mental or Spiritual in nature) or long term Incarceration, must be approved by a Triumvirate of Judges and notification of approval must be made to the Utopian Governor two full days prior.
Triumvirate
» Any trial of a Governor, Sentinel or Titleholder must by done by a Triumvirate of Judges, of a higher position than the accused.
» A Triumvirate of Judges includes three separate individuals Governor, Sentinel Officer and Titleholder; none of these may be closely associated with each-other (where possible), or with the accused (where possible), they must not have had any part in the prior arrest, detention and judgement of the accused.
Appeals
» If any party is unsatisfied by the outcome of a trial, an appeal can be made but must be made one full day before sentencing occurs.
» An appeal will proceed provided that the accused can find any Governor, Sentinel Officer or Titleholder (other than themselves) that agrees to request that it proceed, this is usually done as a result of perceived Judge bias or new evidence.
» Appealing a sole Judge decision requires a higher ranked Sentinel Officer or Titleholder, appealing the decision of a Lieutenant requires a Triumvate.
» Appealing a Triumvirate decision requires higher ranked member of each of the three groups, the final appeal is to the Utopian Governor alone.
Sentinel Court Martials
» Breaches of the law by Sentinels, is usually handled by internal court martial, but the appropriate Governor must be contacted when this occurs with all relevant details
» Where a breach is deemed to be significant, or if the Sentinel court martial process is believed to be corrupt than the Governor can establish a court martial through Triumvirate
» Records of all court martials are available for Governors to peruse should they desire
