Octavia & Leadership
Leadership across the nations of Octavia is deeply rooted in each country’s unique traditions and history. Regardless of how leaders are chosen, the head of each nation holds the title of First Citizen. Leadership systems vary: some nations follow a hereditary model, where power is passed down through generations, while others select leaders based on merit and skill. The hereditary leaders are known as the Destined Ones, and those selected by meritocracy are called the Chosen Ones.
Aquaris follows an inherited leadership tradition, with power passed down through the Seaborn family—founders of the Aquaris island. After the early death of their former First Citizen, Orion Seaborn, leadership passed to his younger brother, Kraken Seaborn. The next in line is Rigel Seaborn, Orion’s eldest son.
Like Aquaris, Solaris maintains hereditary leadership. The Sunfire family, believed to descend from the legendary Lance Sunfire—once the most powerful Solarian whose downfall shaped Octavia—has ruled for generations. The current leader, Coal Sunfire, is preparing his son, Blade, to become the next First Citizen.
Agralis also practices inherited leadership, but with a strict tradition tied to the Elderroot: women are forbidden from becoming First Citizens. Basil Wildbloom, the current leader, has five daughters. The eldest, Anise, should have succeeded him, but after the birth of a son, Fennel Wildbloom, he is now the rightful heir.
During the rare Double Moon lunar event, the sacred Moondeer—a mystical creature revered by the Faunians—chooses the nation’s leader. The chosen individual leads until their death, ensuring the land remains in harmony with nature. The current First Citizen, Lark Doeheart, was selected by the Moondeer at age 16, and happens to be the youngest First Citizen in history.
Remedians are famed for their healing abilities and long lifespans, which greatly impact their leadership dynamics. Though hereditary, leaders often hold their position for centuries, as aging affects them differently. Their First Citizens are revered as the most powerful healers, able to perform feats others cannot. Salve Trueblood, who is rumored to be over 300 years old, currently leads Remedis.
In Mechanis, intellect and innovation govern leadership selection. The nation holds elections every 15 years to ensure the most skilled individual leads. The current First Citizen is Bismuth Ironsmith, a biologist who earned her position after inventing Octavia's IVF process. The upcoming election features contenders Aero Axelwright, a mechanical engineer, and Atom Ironsmith, Bismuth’s son and a genetic scientist.
Craftis also chooses leaders based on merit, celebrating the nation’s most talented artisans. After the previous First Citizen, Arch Blackstone—an architect—was removed from office for legal violations, the role passed to Strand Weavewell, who heads a major plastics empire.
The Allurian First Citizen holds a divine role as The Avatar, believed to be a reincarnating mortal artist whose work moves the souls of all. The Allurians determine the new Avatar during the Revelation Festival, a grand event where candidates compete to prove their worth. Following the recent passing of Ink, a beloved poet and the previous Avatar, the people now look to Chorus—an acclaimed actor, singer, and dancer.
Together, the eight First Citizens form the First Council, the governing body overseeing continental affairs and major decisions. To maintain fairness, the leadership of the Council—known as the Grand Master—rotates every 10 years, giving each nation a chance to govern.
The story begins in a pivotal year: Rigel Seaborn turns 21 and becomes the First Citizen of Aquaris. That same year, Aquaris assumes leadership of the First Council. This marks the first time in 700 years that a newly crowned First Citizen simultaneously becomes Grand Master.
