The Sovereign's Council

Referred to by many different names -- The Council of Hyperia, the Hyperion Council, The Decemvirate, though the latter is usually by those of nobility -- the Sovereign's Council is made up by a representative from each of the Kingdoms of the Hyperion Empire, as well as those that the Emperor trusts as advisors. Those that are on the council are either chosen by the King or Queen of each of the individual kingdoms (typically someone who already holds some sort of influence or power), or they are chosen by the Emperor themself.
Members

Some members include:
Archmage Jasan Vorsk, a human wizard currently overseeing the Kingdom of Arden.
Lord Cyrus Whitemane, a human noble from the Kingdom of Kaldir.
Hayden Irani, a human and the current Director of the Obsidian Order, as well as longtime friend of current Emperor Ardus Kaine.
Ganorak Lysaris, a half-orc emissary from the Kingdom of Umeris.
Vlastimir Ravilov, a general of Ricio Nelcea from the Windswept Plains who replaced the previous Councilmember from the Kingdom of Aervian Kingdom after the Nelcean Insurgency took over.

Perception

Purpose

The Sovereign's Council has been in place since the middle of the Celestial Era, created to bring together each of the different Kingdoms and allow them to work as one cohesive unit. There were some that believed the Empire had grown too large and would be unable to adequately govern itself; as such, the responsibility to govern was delegated to the individual kingdoms, with each of them sending a delegate to the Council for the stated purpose of ensuring their Kingdom is properly represented in the laws made by the Empire. They gather at least once a year in Mornage to debate on new laws, enacting those that are voted in favor.

Social Status

Members of the Hyperion Council are treated with the utmost respect by upper class citizens, and a simple flash of their emblem is typically enough to get them past any locked door. However, the lower class hold resentment for them, as they are always predisposed to flaunt their wealth, acting superior to those they believe to be beneath them.

The Sovereign's Council is represented by the above image, and each is given a pendant of the middle portion. These medallions are used to assert ones position within the government, and they are frequently used to obtain a sort of diplomatic immunity when they or their underlings may commit any sorts of crimes within the Empire.
The Eagle is the symbol of Hyperia, and thus takes the frontmost position. The Crown represents the Emperor of Hyperia and their loyalty to him (or her). The Spade at the back represents their commitment to the people of Hyperia. Some, particularly those more cynical of their Empire's leadership, argue that the fact the Spade is behind the Crown indicates they are going to work harder for the Sovereign than they do the people. And those who argue this would not necessarily be wrong.