Doge

The Doge is the father and guardian of the nation, chief of state, and symbol of the unity of the citizens of the Serene Republic. He is sacred and inviolable, and reserves unto His Serene and Benevolent Person all powers of the state. He is elected by the assembled Signoria (this power previously reserved by the Grand Council), and holds office for the remainder of his natural life from the time he completes the Promissio in open session of the Signoria.

During his lifetime, the Doge holds the military ranks of Supreme Commander of the Armies, and Admiral of the Fleets of the Serene Republic. Most of his time is spent conducting public duties and performing various ceremonial functions of state. By law and ancient tradition, he presides over any council or committee of the government or private sector of the Serene Republic he should choose to attend, though custom makes him merely an observer who is treated with great deference. In the event of his death, his powers pass to the Council of Ten, acting in concert, though decisions of major import are normally deferred until the election of a new bearer of the Cap of Liberty.

There has never been a female Doge, but there is much argument that the Dogaressa Caterina Vasquez would have made a great one.

The current Doge of the Serene Republic is His Serene Benevolence Giustiani Perruzi.

Prominent Doges

• His Serene Benevolence Umberto Retillion
• His Serene Benevolence Rodrigo Vasquez