The Senate

‘It is thus plain to see, dear Glabio, that such a motion would not only upset the Celerus crystal trade in the region in an immoral way but also cause considerable discomfort to lighthouse operators who, I’m sure you are well aware, are essential in preventing ships - and that includes your merchant ships, too, Senator - from getting smashed to tiny pieces on the jagged rocks of the coastline. Therefore, I conclude that the motion is not in the service of a fair crystal trade or the Empire but is in fact an abomination drawn up by extreme incompetence.’

Senator Aniximasios on the Senate floor, addressing Senator Bevarus Glabio on his proposal for a restrictive motion on Celerus crystal trade, receiving thunderous applause

The Imperial Senate operates under the watchful gaze of --The XI Apostles--, even though only one or two are said to take part in its sessions at a time. Apart from the reign of Emperors, this sacred institution has been the most stable political tradition of the Empire for its existence throughout the long millennia. Its creation harkens back to a time even before the first Emperor, who himself would call upon it to ratify his governing principles onto the Pillar of Laws. Having become an advisory council to the Emperor and his Church, the rights and responsibilities of the Senate have changed drastically during the Third Age. The institution reached its latest peak in the centuries prior to the Calamity: in the Emperor’s absence, all legislative and judicial powers were given over to the Senate, as well as the right to supervise the election of public officials - until --The XI Apostles-- took over.
Today, the Senate is one of the most potent counterpoints to --The XI Apostles-- and the priesthood who strive to turn it into their own puppet. Most Senators belong to the aristocracy and all but inherit the title - others come from the most wealthy citizens of the Empire and are often the agents of Trading Houses. There are 577 seats in the Senate, some of which are taken up by positions outside its confines, such as Apostles, the High Priests, the heads of each Fulcimus, and so forth. Over half of the Senators attend sessions infrequently or never at all. In times when the aristocracy grows more powerful, the Apostles can have a hard time overruling the Senate’s consulta (a formal decree after a consensus is reached).