Gran Calice

The Gran Calice, or Grand Chalise, is the "right hand" of the king. Appointed by the king himself for council, the Gran Calice also acts as the Kingdom's First Minister. The position goes all the way back to the early 100s when Vernese kings appointed sons from their lords to be official cupbearers. This position was one of prestige and highly sought-after ordeal. Trust and loyalty were big factors to being a Gran Calice, as they were the ones who cared for the king's wine. Kings would pick from powerful families, with hopes that it would nurture a strong bond with the throne. This, however, didn't stop the many attempts of poisonings that mar the history of the Gran Calice. It is for this reason that the Kleidonians say, "Beware of Vernese wine."

The position became a political one when King Linoir XII appointed his cupbearer, Lord Jon Dusante, to the role of court judge. According to history, Linoir XII was a man who cared more about living in merriment, and less about governing his nation. When his brother Velneraut III was arrested for conspiring to kill him for the throne, Linoir XII could not bring himself to judge his own kin. Instead he turned and asked Gran Calice Dusante to judge him. Dusante, who's father bears the honor of lording over the great Vernese Plains to the East, was not one to pass such an opportunity.

With a goblet of wine held effortlessly on a silver platter, Sir Dusante interrogated Velneraut III, weakening the reputation of the king's brother with every word. Velneraut III shouted out against the claims - "they are all lies!" To which Sir Dusante replied, "All lies are sewn with threads of truth." Velneraut III was charged with conspiracy to murder the King, and was summarily executed.

Over the centuries, the position of Gran Calice continued to grow, becoming a position of power and eventual prime ministership in the modern day. Today, the Gran Calice runs the nation and is guided by the authority of the King. They meet with the Four Councils of the nation as well as the Master of Treasures and the Lords of Force to move towards the nations best interests. On special ceremonial occasions, the Gran Calice must be present with a chalice on a silver tray for the king.