Fiction:Draconid Imperium/Paragon

Paragavatus (High Dracid: Parag'avatus leader of lords) Or Paragon is the title held by the head of state of the and the figurehead of the Draconid states of the Imperium. A spiritual as well as a physical position, the Paragon is supported as the physical representation of the Draconid people.

Etymology
The term is understood to be an evolution of the title of "high king" held by monarchs of the great empires of pre-industrial. Literally translated, "pah-rag ah-vah-tus" is understood as "path-bearer [of] lords above men", more colloquially the term is heard as "leader of lords" or "leader of leaders". The definition referring to the paragon's position in the Imperial administrative hierarchy as an authority above provincial heads of state and the various praetors, who they themselves could be considered emperors depending on the context. In more modern times the term "parag'avatus" has been colloquially translated to king of kings. The unisex nature of the direct translation means that paragon is a title held by both male and female figures.

Duties and Responsibilities
As head of state of the, the paragon is the highest municipal authority. Public servants and soldiers swear to perform their duties in his or her name and acts directly against them is considered an act of treason against the crown. They preside over discussions of the Praetor's Council and operate as a physical representation of the state on foreign visits. The paragon is considered neutral to the activities of the praetors, and efforts to gain favour are treated as acts of friendship, not mutual alliances. This neutral reputation in the multi-faceted politics of the Imperium makes the paragon one of the few few executive figures aside from the viceroys who can preside over empire-wide summits of the provincial heads of state.

When attending ceremonies, the Paragon holds a duty to bolster morale though their presence or through inspiring speeches, and each individual groomed to become paragon is traditionally taught how to speak effectively. The paragon also holds a duty to award some of the highest commendations to military personnel such as the immortal star for acts above and beyond the call of duty, and the red signet for soldiers who served above and beyond at the cost of their life. As well as Talon-body commendations, the paragon is capable of awarding the to any individual they deem exceptional. And is one of the few awards the paragon can give to foreign figures as a sign of respect and gratitude.

The paragon is also a spiritual figure of great importance. For followers of Drakon's Path, the paragon is granted the authority to rule the Draconid people by divine right as a figure approved by the lifefather to represent the finest qualities if their kind. For more agnostic citizens, the paragon is the essence of the made manifest, in their peak physical and mental ability. Those who follow the Cult of the Divine Paragons see the Paragon as a divine being for similar reasons, though rather than honouring Drakon or another deity through him, the paragon is the focal point of their faith, perceived as a divine being on the physical plane.

As a physical embodiment of what it means to be a Draconis, the paragon is expected to be well-read, eloquent, and mindful of their bodies and minds. The paragon is expected to have an intricate understanding of imperial legislation, an awareness of the will of the people, and have a keen understanding of the political network that keeps the Draonid Imperium stable. As part of a family considered partially outside the engagements of the grand game, the paragon frequently acts as a means to prevent civil war within the aristocracy through their understanding of the various interests and genealogies at play.

International Reputation
The position of paragon enjoys a rare combination internationally. The efforts of recent monarchs have made the Draconid paragon a highly celebrated and admired figure within the First Gigaquadrant, making the position one of the few monarchies that is widely well-received by the universal public. The most notable example of the respect the position holds is the supercarrier operated by, named in honour of the longstanding friendship held between  XVI, the Rambo royal dynasty.