Yr Demes

Yr Demes is a title claimed by only the most uniquely powerful of Antymnean rulers. It means "The Ruler" in the language of the Tymni, and in order for an individual to be recognized as "Yr Demes," they must be officially coronated. The first individual to take this title was Bodka cob Nedrys, who was coronated following her resounding victory against the Hacoblens at the Battle of Eight Sabers. After that battle, the rebellious factions of the Antymnes rallied behind her, and proclaimed her authority.

Because of the nature of the title, and the system of inheritance common within the Antymnes, it has only been borne by a small number of individuals throughout the history of the region. The title is almost always given to a warrior queen who unites her people in a time of need, and it is a unique title in that it is not hereditary. To be called "Yr Demes," a woman must earn the right.

When Bodka was first crowned as ruler, the queens of each of the other Claims pledged fealty to her, and together, the eight great houses of The Antymnes established the settlement of Saberwyth upon the field of her victory. Initially, the settlement was a monastic community that was wholly devoted to the preservation of Antymnean History, and the continuation of the tradition of Yr Demes. To be impartial, the eight clans decreed that the abbey at Saberwyth, and the surrounding lands, would be independent of the clans' rule. The Church of Swords founded at Saberwyth was comprised initially of an even number of male members of each of the eight Clans, but would thereafter select its members carefully from among the entirety of the isles.

After a few attempts to take the title of Yr Demis by force, the Commonwealth of Saberwyth began to levy military forces from each of the eight clans, compelling them each to protect the impartiality of the affair. This effort however, failed to produce consistent protection for the holy order, and in order to maintain the security of their library, and the sanctity of the tradition, the Commonwealth incorporated the territory of Lecasgiad into their holy lands, and began to levy troops from their own now-substantial holdings. This effort met with a reasonable measure of success, and the Church has maintained its independence and impartiality ever since.