8.3.4 Oligarchy - a House Government Form

(See also: HELP GOVERNMENT FORMS, HELP AUTOCRACY, HELP TRIUMVIRATE,
           HELP DICTATORSHIP, HELP CHALLENGE, HELP SUCCESSOR, HELP SUPPORT)

In an Oligarchy, three leaders hold office until the end of a definite term
(which could be quite long), or until the successor comes to power when either
the Oligarch steps down or does not respond to a challenge by the designated
successor.

Few things limit the power of the Oligarch. Among these are:
1) an oligarch may exercise no power at all until a successor is
   designated (except the power to designate a new successor).
2) an oligarch's term may be long, but must still be finite.
3) an oligarch must respond to all challenges by the successor. If
   an oligarch does not respond, or if the oligarch surrenders to
   the challenge, then the successor takes power (see HELP CHALLENGE
   and HELP SUCCESSOR).

Each oligarch selects a successor separately from the other oligarchs,
which means there should be three successors at all times.


Limits on Return to Office
--------------------------
Once an oligarch leaves office, he may not contest for, nor hold the
position again until at least six other people, not himself, hold it.


Special Powers of the Ascendant
-------------------------------
One oligarch, the Ascendant, has expanded powers:
- appointments of House Positions, and
- selecting the Divine Patron

The three oligarchs select one of their number to wield these additional powers
via showing SUPPORT (see HELP SUPPORT). If two or three support one oligarch,
then that oligarch becomes Ascendant. If only one supports any given oligarch,
then that oligarch is not Ascendant. If a oligarch is Ascendant and then
doesn't have support of at least two oligarchs, then that oligarch is no longer
Ascendant.

Oligarchs (not Ascendant) earn 200 renown per hour while logged in, up to 400
renown per day or until they hit cap (see HELP RENOWN). 

(See also: HELP GOVERNMENT FORMS, HELP AUTOCRACY, HELP TRIUMVIRATE,
           HELP DICTATORSHIP, HELP CHALLENGE, HELP SUCCESSOR, HELP SUPPORT)