Archon of the Lyran Commonwealth

Archon Katrina Steiner wearing a traditional uniform.

The Archon is the ruler and leader of the Lyran Commonwealth. House Steiner holds a firm grasp upon the office, which currently resembles a constitutional monarchy. The heir apparent, usually the eldest child or closest relative of the current Archon, is named Archon-Designate.

History

The position is open to both sexes and the Archon is the commander in chief of the Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces and head of state holding full authority to make any and all decisions relating to domestic and foreign policy. Most, but not all, Archons-Designate have served in the Lyran military. Most Archons of House Steiner have traditionally been rather liberal rulers, granting the people the right of assembly, freedom of speech, and freedom of the press. Indeed, the rare occasions in which these rights have been suspended have led to major internal political crisis.

The Estates General

A new Archon has to be confirmed by the Estates General, which was originally created in 2376 by Robert Marsden as a means to legitimize his coup d'état. From its humble beginning as a rubberstamp organization, the Estates General has slowly acquired a considerable degree of political influence in determining a new Archon. At least in theory, the powers of the Archon are limited by the Estates General which can de jure depose a ruling Archon and chose a suitable replacement. This was done only once in 3007 when the Estates General successfully passed a no-confidence resolution upon the unpopular and reckless Alessandro Steiner, paving the way for his niece Katrina. Such an act is never taken lightly; it will obviously cause a major constitutional crisis which may even lead to a full-fledged civil war. Realistically, the deciding factor will be the allegiance of the officers of the Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces whose loyalty will tested to the utmost.

List of Archons of the Lyran Commonwealth

Name	Reign
Archon Basileus of the Lyran Commonwealth (2346–2395)
The Nine Archons	2346 – 2375
Robert Marsden	2375 – 2395
Archons (2395–2501)
Alistair Marsden	2395 – 2408
Katherine Steiner-Marsden	2408 – 2445
Alistair Marsden-Steiner	2445 – 2467
Michael Steiner	2467 – 2472
Steven Steiner	2472 – 2501
Acting Archon of the Lyran Commonwealth (2501–2506)
Margaret Olsen-Steiner	2501 – 2503
Robert Steiner	2503 – 2506
Archons (2506–2849)
Robert Steiner	2506 – 2528
Craig Steiner	2528 – 2555
Tracial Steiner	2555 – 2570
Viola Steiner-Dinesen	2570 – 2596
Kevin Steiner-Dinesen	2596 – 2647
Sarah Steiner-Dinesen	2647 – 2672
William Steiner	2672 – 2704
Jonathan Steiner	2704 – 2729
Michael Steiner II	2729 – 2760
Robert Steiner II	2760 – 2781
Jennifer Steiner	2781 – 2791
Richard Steiner	2791 – 2823
Marcus Steiner	2823 – 2844
Melissa Nin-Steiner	2845
Claudius "the Cruel"	2845 – 2849
Triumvirate Regency of the Lyran Commonwealth (2849–2859)
Rebecca Morgan
Henry DeCalidore
Ilysa Aten
Archons (2859–3055)
Elizabeth Steiner	2859 – 2895
Eric Steiner	2895 – 2913
Tatyana Steiner	2914 – 2937
Marco Steiner	2937 – 2952
Giovanni Steiner	2952 – 2980
Alessandro Steiner	2980 – 3007
Katrina Steiner	3007 – 3039
Melissa Steiner-Davion	3039 – 3055
Archon-Prince of the Federated Commonwealth (3055–3057)
Victor Steiner-Davion	3055 – 3057
Archon-Prince of the Lyran Alliance (3057–3067)
Katherine Steiner-Davion	3057 – 3067
Archon of the Lyran Alliance (3067–3084)
Peter Steiner-Davion	3067 – 3071
Adam Steiner	3071 – 3072
Peter Steiner-Davion	3072 – 3073
Adam Steiner	3073 – 3121
Archons (3084–3141)
Andrew Steiner	3121 – 3127
Melissa Steiner	3127 – 3141
Acting Archon of the Lyran Commonwealth (3141–3143)
Vedet Brewer	3141 – 3143
Archons (3143–current)
Melissa Steiner	3143
Trillian Steiner	3143 –

Bibliography

• Handbook: House Steiner
• House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)