Patriarch

The patriarch is the Theician head of state. The patriarch is selected from among the five district lords, each of whom is the head of a major clan.

The Patriarch's power is, in theory, absolute, and he rules for 'life.' Thus, the ousting of a Patriarch is a rare event, and almost invariably based upon treachery.

In practice, there are limits to the Patriarch's power. The other district lords will not go along with anything which runs too greatly against their own interests, and any major initiatives will require the support of the district lords.