In the 6th and 7th centuries the Merovingian rulers of the Frankish realms, including Neustria (modern France), Austrasia (Middle Francia or Lotharingia), and Burgundy, began to appoint maiores palatii or maiores domus (English: Majordomo, Mayor of the Palace, or Mayor Palatine) from among the nobles to help administer the realm.
Pepin of Herstal, Mayor of the Palace and self-styled "Duke and Prince of the Franks," receives
allegiance from the nobility. He was the father of Charles Martel and grandfather of Pepin the Short.
At first just an advisory and administrative role, the Mayors of the Palace evolved into the true power behind the throne, so much so that the final century of Merovingian rulers are known as Rois fainéant, or "do-nothing kings." Kingdoms under the same king, but different mayors palatine, were often at war with each other under the command of the mayors. Eventually, the last mayor of the palace, the Pippind/Karling Pepin the Short, did away with the facade and totally usurped the title of King itself.
In keeping with this history, A.D. 633: Rise of Islam has added Mayor of the Palace laws, which, similar to revocation laws and centralization, are another set of realm laws that are enabled only for those of Frankish culture, or who claim descent from Merovingian Blood.
The three levels of mayoralty law
There are three levels of Mayor of the Palace law:
- Abolished.
There is no change in the administration of the realm from the base.
- Advisory. (+5 Vassal Opinion, +5 Vassal Limit).
The Mayor Palatine is an additional member of the council. He is capable of forming and joining factions even when other council members cannot, and he gains a weak claim to the realm on succession. Additionally, the Mayor Palatine always acts as Designated Regent.
- Regency. (+15 Vassal Opinion, +10 Vassal Limit, -1 Demesne Limit)
The Mayor Palatine acts as regent for a figurehead monarch, even when the ruler is perfectly capable. A competent Mayor may by event be given the opportunity to pass on the title to his heir. Capable monarchs may or be given the chance to reclaim power. All effects of Advisory Mayoralty are active.
Example of a Mayor Palatine. As a council member, the powerful vassal is satisfied.
Also, the Mayor Palatine title supersedes any landed titles in the form of address.
To raise the stakes of Council Power factions and wars, Mayors of the Palace law will be increased by one level in the event of a Council victory. However, if you have the misfortune of getting Mayoral Regency, all is not lost. A new plot will appear through which you'll have the chance to reclaim your power, as long as there are enough backers, which shouldn't be too difficult with the big opinion boost you get in a Mayoral Regency.
All in all, it's a neat bit of historical flavor that will be a nice gameplay variation for Frankish or Meroving players.
Look for this and other cool features coming soon in the latest update of the A.D. 633: Rise of Islam mod for Crusader Kings II.
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looks awesome