Ditarch

Ditarch [DEYE-tarkh] is the title given to the eldest offspring of the reigning Primonarch, regardless of sex, which rule became concrete when IxifiothII died before he could birth a son, paving the way for his eldest daughter, Eangadaelyyn, to become the first female Primonarch. Up until then, it had always been the eldest male.

The term 'Ditarch' is never usually used on its own, rather as a prefix to the more specific title, Prince or Princess. During the events of The Fall of Erwood, Devyntias Amberfern is an only child, therefore, Ditarch - Prince Devyntias by forfeit.

Ditarchs are confirmed at the age of 11-14 depending on their physical wellbeing, intellect and political competence at the time, after which they are also titled 'The Erex', which solidifies their position as the future Primonarch. Erex means ' Promised Leader' in Old Yrdain. Once this title has been given, it is typical that the Erex chooses a regnal name in time for their coronation, whether that be immediate or decades in the future.

Only once in history has a Ditarch abdicated after being named the Erex, or at all for that matter, being Prince Syndarus Amberfern. No protocol had ever been set in stone for this, as it had never happened before. Syndarus faced life imprisonment by the condemnation of his father, Jaihkun, the then-Primonarch. Rorym, the eldest of Syndarus' younger brothers stepped in and offered Syndarus the chance to serve him as Loft Master until a sensible protocol be made. Syndarus served for a time but was released by his brother's forgiveness.