Arkai

Paramount Leader of Arkarnas Arkai Unoranīr
Miaberus Yedaiga Arkai 1342–1325 BDR
Style	His/Her Supreme Honour
Member of	Council of Ministers
Reports to	Congress of the Honourable
Appointer	Congress of the Honourable
Term length	Life tenure
Formation	c. 40,000 BDR
First holder	Ēfilerus Padalunoranīr
Final holder	Miaberus Yedaiga
Abolished	1325 BDR

The Paramount Leader (Taralian: Arkai Unoranīr) was the head of state and government of Arkarnas for much of its history. As the chief executive of the nation, the Arkai was also the supreme commander of the Taroran Armed Forces. At Arkarnas' peak, the Arkaiship was unquestionably the most powerful political office in the galaxy. Established along with Arkarnas itself in c. 40,000 BDR, the Arkai was appointed by and responsible to the Congress of the Honourable, the federal institution representing the ruling castes of Taroran society.

Candidates for the Arkaiship were rigorously assessed for their worthiness through notoriously challenging trials and examinations. To even proceed to the preliminary shortlist was considered an achievement worthy of great respect and admiration. An Arkai once appointed was assured their continuance in office for the rest of their lives, providing they maintained honourable behaviour throughout their tenure. The Arkai was subject to regular evaluations of their work and their activities by the Congress, and could be removed from office if found guilty of committing a felony, or otherwise severely tarnishing their personal honour. The Arkai was freely given the right to resign from office, though to do so in the face of challenging times was considered a sign of weakness and dishonour. Should the Congress determine that the Arkai becomes chronically ill or otherwise unfit to serve, the Congress was also empowered to "honourably remove" them from office (i.e. without damaging their honour or their standing in society) should they refuse to resign.

Powers and duties

The Arkai sat at the top of a vast hierarchy that organised all of Taroran society, and as such they were the embodiment of the Taroran state. They played a significant role in governmental, social, cultural and spiritual affairs. To reflect the Arkai's numerous responsibilities, they held a number of additional titles associated with different aspects of their office. For example, as Rētar (first man), the Arkai served as the supreme executive authority, with the power to issue decrees, appoint prefects and diplomats, and provide for the execution of legislation. As Sashar (guide), they were the religious leader of Arkarnas, charged with the responsibilities of conducting religious rites, consecrating temples, and overseeing the selection of priests.