Autarch

The Autarch is the official title of the supreme leader of the Helghan Empire. The title was created with the founding of the Empire, with its founder, Scolar Visari, being the first Autarch in 2347.

The Autarch has unrestricted power over Helghast society, civilian and military, and all decisions made by the Autarch are absolute and ultimate. People who disobey orders given directly by the Autarch or refuse to follow his rule are often considered enemies of the state and marked for summary execution, either in an event or a simple kill-on-sight order.

Autarch assignment/election

Different from the traditional popular voting in democratic states, the Autarch is selected by a few amongst the Helghast elite, those being from the Helghast Senate. However, it is not excluded the possibility of heirship on the appointment of Autarch. As of the Helghast resettlement it seems that the title of Autarch and possibly its role has been dissolved with Hera Visari, daughter of Scolar Visari, becoming Chancellor of New Helghan.

Known Autarchs

• Scolar Visari (2347–2359)
• Admiral Orlock (2360)

Trivia

• The title may stem from the political philosophy of Autarchism which upholds the principal of individual liberty.
• The definition of autarch is "a ruler who has absolute power." The word originate from Greek autarkhos, from autos ‘self’ and arkhos ‘leader’.
• Autarch is similar to the authoritarian or totalitarian titles of Führer in Nazi Germany and Duce in Fascist Italy.