Imperial Court, the

Not even Leopold can rule alone, and so he relies on the support provided to him by the support of his Imperial Court. While not a physical location as such, many mistake those departments and organisations that operate within Leopold’s Rose to be the extent of the Court, while the actuality is that any person that reports, directly or indirectly, either to Leopold himself or to one of his circle of advisors is considered to be part of the Court, irregardless of their whereabouts in the world. In some nations, such as Harrovehl and Iraé, members of the Court flaunt their position openly, whereas in most of the Imperial countries they take up a more silent administrative position. Whatever their evident position, the Court holds a position of power above monarchs and other rulers, sometimes to the resentment of even some of Leopold’s most loyal followers.
One of the Court’s most evident functions is that of the justicar, travelling law-givers who’s sole mandate is to ensure the Continents adherence to Imperial Law. Most justicars travel in groups of about a dozen, usually with at least one member of the Orda Necraux who are capable of wisping. Justicar quarters exist in any sizable town or city, though all are expected to provide them with housing when they are on the road. Many people fear the justicars, as they tend to deliver justice swiftly when lawbreakers are found, and they tolerate no infractions on their authority. When people of power and means, such as nobility, are found to be deviating from Imperial mandate, it is not rare to find groups of Justicards to band together in delivering order. The most extreme case of this was when the banditry problem in Aerth had grown so large that it was feared they may seize control of the nation, and a justicar army was assembled to deal with the problem. Headed by justicar Aroen, they found that much of the senate had been backing the bandits in the hopes of seizing control of the Republic. Those found to be involved were made an example of being ‘given onto the earth’, the Empire’s harshed punishment and used only for the most heinous of crimes, where the offender is buried alive.
The other branches of the Court are all less evident than the justicars in their half black, half white coats. Most of the Court operates on a strictly bureaucratic basis, making sure that the Empire operates as efficiently as it can while ensuring that none of its subjects are stepping out of line. It is as quick to take interest when something seems to be working too well as it is when a deficiency appears, as both can be evidence of someone choosing to go their own ways rather than to conform to Imperial Law. For those who come to know the Imperial Court, the way that they employ mathematics and statistics has a tendency of making people uncomfortable. The general courtier tends to view the Empire more as a complex equation rather than a vast land with many different people. Still, while its method may seem inhumane, it is a tool which in many ways has enabled the Empire to succeed, especially with the Emperor steering its day to day business.
All but the most loyal of the Empire’s followers tend to view the Court with a certain level of resentment. Not only are they those that are closest to the Emperor, which the elite of many nations detest, but they are also from every walk of life. While most of the Imperial Court tend to be handpicked from nobility, there is nothing that stops a merchant, librarian, farmer or even a beggar from becoming a courtier. Those that catch Leopold’s eye and manage to prove themselves are apprenticed into the courtial system until they have learnt enough to become a full courtier. Of course, those who already have family in the court or who have a position or profession that make them more likely to be discovered by the Emperor have a larger chance of being taken into his Court, but everyone has the chance. In fact, there is a whole department of the Imperial Court that looks for just such people and brings them to Leopold’s attention. Unofficially, they are called the Barrel-Scrapers, though none would call the Division for Careful Examination of Skill such a name to their face, of course - even if it is difficult for a man of high birth to pass over when his tailor is picked as a prospecting courtier.
It is only fortunate that the Imperial Laws are few, and adherence to them has become such a natural act on the Continent, for few nations like it when the Court has to step in to manage them. For those not already under the rules of governors, it is too much of a reminder that their rule is not absolute, and that while Leopold may allow for certain levels of autonomy, there are boundaries that cannot be pushed. Leopolara is his Empire, after all, and the Court is his hands when he needs them to serve that purpose. Few monarchs appreciate being ‘handled’. Still, even those who grumble the loudest about the Court’s sway will admit that they serve a fundamental purpose and that their careful analysis of Imperial resources and logistics has made life easier, especially as they are useful. Though it is easy to think of the courtiers as shadowy clerks ruling the Empire from dark, lantern lit rooms, the fact is that they are as often found with their doors open, handing out advice and making their findings public. While not always popular, few leaders can dispute that partaking in the Court’s finding is not also useful. Indeed, even Chramach, with its firm stance against the written word, begrudgingly listens to the census which the Court takes from its people.
While none would directly question the Imperial Courts loyalty to the Emperor, the coming of New Leopold has raised a number of disturbing questions. How did the Court not know of her existence? How could the Iridescents and part of the Orda Necraux have been so thoroughly corrupted by her? Did they not know that she was establishing herself in Eraté? The lack of answers to these questions has caused the reputation of the Court to take a big hit, as knowledge has ever been the basis of their favour with the Emperor and, therefore, their power. No such words are spoken aloud, but there is a deep surge of paranoia that plagues the chambers of the courtiers, as they are all but certain that some among their numbers are traitors.

Type

Court, Royal