Editing EternalEmpire:Arqualan (section)

=== Optolecton ===

	The Optolecton is a body of non-elected individuals, originally chosen from the Lenjic nobility to advice and entreat with the pseudo-Dandrit kings. Although the first official Optolecton was called under Borovedis, it has roots in the urban assemblies that presided over the laws of the Lenjic cities during the time of the Dandrit Empire. The Optolecti were chosen from the assemblies of each of the Lenjic cities, ostensibly for their wisdom and experience to advise the king both on internal and external affairs. However, since the Optolecti were granted certain privileges, including immunity from taxation, the appointments were soon being purchased or bestowed as political favors. After the suppression of the rebels in the Tordessa Mutiny, the Optolecton gained considerable autonomy from the king and the right to veto new spending and levee raising measures.

	After the ouster of Analectin by Trinio Etchomis in -3 AGA, the Optolecton became the de facto ruling body of the nascent Arqi state. Utilizing the superior wealth and connections of the membership, the Optolecti were able to outlast their regional challengers and hold together the nominal confederation of city-states. The Optolecton was initially granted the power to raise and direct the unified Arqi military, regulate internal commerce and weights and measures standards, maintain and propose laws related to the national treasury, dispatch and receive foreign legations, and recommend legislation to the local comestiati. Over time, the power of the Optolecton grew as the Arqi state consolidated so that it assumed far greater powers, particularly in internal legislation and revenue collection. 

	Originally, the Optolecti numbered around 20, but that number was not fixed, and each served at the discretion of the king. After the overthrow of the king, the Optolecti selected new members at their own discretion, provided they met a minimal property value requirement, and the position was for life. By the time of the Inigo Elufectra and the First Metronian War, new Optolecti were added from the ranks of Optolecton-appointed officials who had finished their terms, the Monitari. The Probîter of Ectin the Great brought about significant changes in the organization of the Optolecton, including a weakening in its authority and capping its membership at 160. After the Arqi Civil War, the Amboy Castio Sotor restored many of the Comestia’s powers at the expense of the Optolecton, including the ability to impeach Optolecti. For the first time, the assembly also included members from the territories on Otovan under these reforms. The last great change came about with the victory of Ionomîs, where the Optolecton was greatly enlarged to 624, and Optolecti were limited to serving twelve years. 

	In the current day, the Optolecton comprises those who have finished their terms as Monitari, and so are only indirectly elected. If one of the Optolecti is elected again to another office, they are required to step down for the time being from the assembly. The power of the Optolecti is primarily that of a legislature. Legislation passed by the Optolecton must be approved by the Comestiati affected by these laws, and the Optolecton also has the power to veto certain decisions of a Comestia. The assembly also has the power to nominate and approve certain officials. They also wield investigatory powers and the ability to punish Monitari and lesser officials for misconduct.