The Imperial High Council
The Imperial High Council is the successor to the Council of Eight. The Council's influence is far-reaching and all-encompassing, and is the political manifestation of the true power wielded by the Satraps over the Imperial Throne. The Imperial High Council is the ultimate political authority in almost all areas, and each council position (detailed below) gives the Satraps great control over nearly every aspect of the The Empire of Yura. Despite its power the numerous bitter rivalries between the Satraps and nigh constant internecine intrigues among members often means that consensus votes fail or are never even brought to a vote.
**The descriptions of the council represents the positions in their current form. The role of the council has evolved greatly, and the council itself was briefly abolished under the rule of Hecai Angara between 1216 A.C. - 1267 A.C. The council's current role was enshrined in the The Treaty of Redress.**
Structure
The Imperial High Council is composed of eight posts, seven held by a Satrap and the eighth held by an imperial appointee (this last position is honorary and does not have voting power). The positions are temporary, and are generally rotated every five years to prevent any one Satrap from gaining too much power. A Satrap may retain their seat by a majority vote of the others members (excluding the member attempting to retain their seat.) In cases of a 3-3 tie the Emperor/Empress of Yura votes to break the tie. In the case that a Satrapy is ruled by a child yet to reach the age of majority (which varies based on the Satrapy) the seat is filled by the regent of the Satrapy in question. The Imperial High Council is also able to amend the Imperial Legal Code and overrule Gold Interdicts with a unanimous vote, or a simple majority only if the Emperor/Empress votes for the law (4-3; +Imperial vote). On a 4-4 tie the law or interdict fails and lapses after a year.
Grand Vizier: Traditionally viewed as the most prestigious position the Grand Vizier runs the Imperial High Council meetings. The Grand Vizier is responsible for ensuring that all other members of the council fulfill their required duties, and looks after the welfare of the Imperial Throne. The Grand Vizier is also the only member who has the power of Silver Speech, written authorization by the Emperor/Empress of Yura to represent or act on his/her behalf in private affairs, business, and some legal matters when the Emperor/Empress is indisposed. When the Grand Vizier is fulfilling this role they adopt the title Designated Regent of Yura. This post has high turnover.
Grand Chancellor: The Grand Chancellor runs the Imperial household, along generally with the king/queen-consort of the Empire. The Grand Chancellor is also the keeper of the Imperial Seal, secretary of treaties and other legal documents, and affixes the seal to important documents at his/her discretion. Only the Emperor/Empress may overrule the ruling of the Grand Chancellor, and even the Grand Vizier’s Silver Speech cannot. It is for this reason that, while not as prestigious as Grand Vizier, the Grand Chancellor seat is seen as the most powerful position. This post has the highest turnover of all the seats.
High Arcanist, Lord/Lady of Magic: The High Arcanist is the Emperor/Empress’s advisor of magic and arcane concerns. This position can vary in importance, depending greatly on the threats or problems faced by the throne. This position is always held by a powerful mage. The High Arcanist is also responsible for the protection of the imperial family and ensuring that they are properly warded from magic attacks. In times of war the High Arcanist leads the spell casters of the empire in battle, including divine users. This position has low turnover, as usually only one or two of the Satraps are powerful users of magic.
High Admiral, Lord/Lady of Ships: The High Admiral is the supreme commander of the Imperial fleet, and can gain executive control over the various Satrap fleets by a unanimous council vote. The High Admiral is responsible for ensuring that the fleet is maintained, constructed and that Yura is protected. The High Admiral also controls the merchant marine force of Yura and works with the High Treasurer to combat piracy and smuggling. The post has medium turnover.
High General, Lord/Lady of Men: The High General is the supreme commander of the Imperial Army, and can gain executive control over the various Satrap armies by a unanimous council vote. The High General is responsible for ensuring the battle readiness of the Imperial Army, and also tempering the size of the Satrap armies, so they do not grow large enough to challenge the Emperor (although legally the High General has no control over the other Satraps). The High General also oversees the policing and maintenance of law and order in Yura and thus works closely with the High Judge, and ensures each Satrap fights crime in his/her domain. This post has medium turnover.
High Treasurer, Lord/Lady of Coin: The High Treasure controls the Imperial coffers of Yura. As such their duties are varied and they are solely responsible for allocation of direct Imperial funds, and the levying of imperial taxes. The High Treasurer also controls all port fees, and regulates both domestic and international trade (though their domestic regulation is limited). In times of war the High Treasurer is responsible for ensuring the allocation of funds to protect Yura and can levy taxes on the Satraps with a unanimous council vote. The High Treasurer also oversees the Imperial Mint. This position has high turnover, due to the opportunities for self-enrichment.
High Judge, Lord/Lady of Law: The High Judge is considered the ultimate legal authority is the empire, second only to the emperor. The High Judge acts as the arbiter of imperial justice and is authorized to mete out justice in lieu of the Emperor/Empress, with a number of severe limitations. Distinct from the Silver Speech of the Grand Vizier the High Judge does not speak on behalf of the Emperor/Empress, and is only as the foremost interpreter of the law. Technically only the Emperor/Empress, or Grand Vizier in the Emperor/Empress’s absence, can formally pass a binding ruling on a petitioner. Despite this restriction the High Judge’s decisions as viewed as de-facto final since the Emperor/Empress does not have time to oversee thousands of cases, and as such, if pressed, will usually sanction whatever choice was made by the High Judge. Rarely, and usually only to Satraps or nobility, the Emperor/Empress may allow the petitioner to appeal their case directly to him/her. The High Judge can also issue Silver Interdicts, which are temporarily binding legal rulings for a year, at which point they lapse if not elevated by the Emperor to a Gold Interdict. This post has high turnover.
Grand Imperial Ambassador, Lord/Lady of Nations: The head diplomat of the country, this position is primarily ceremonial and is the only seat not held by a Satrap. The Grand Imperial Ambassador does not have voting power on the council and exists simply to provide advice and council to the Satraps in regard to the international situation and matters of diplomacy and war.
Public Agenda
The Imperial High Council is charged with three tasks. The first is the governance of The Empire of Yura, in legislative and judicial matters. The second is to advise the Emperor/Empress of Yura on matters relating to their specific post. The third task is to protect Yura against any form of imperial encroachment on the traditional authority of the Satraps and prevent despotic imperial rule. Despite this public agenda the Council is composed of the Satraps and their interests and desires vary wildly. Thus, many Satraps use the power they wield on the Council to further their own aims and goals.
History
In 712 A.C., as stipulated by the Dawn Treaty, a council, composed of the leaders of the eight great tribes, was formed. This group, called the Council of Eight helped govern and exercised power over the continent of Yura. These eight rulers worked to arbitrate disputes in this council, though armed conflict was still common. Following the announcement of the Ultimatum of Sovereign Deference and the subsequent conflict it caused, the War of Seven Satraps, the council was reorganized and renamed the Imperial High Council to reflect its new role and evolution of its duties. The seat of the High King/Queen of Artamus was reduced to honorary, as the holder title was elevated to Emperor/Empress of Yura. Abolished in 1216 A.C. by Hecai Angara the council was reintroduced in 1267 A.C., albeit in a much reduced role. The council reached its current state of promience in 1291 A.C. with the signing of The Treaty of Redress.
Founding Date
1142 A.C.
Type
Governmental, Senate/Parliament
Alternative Names
The Seven
Demonym
Imperial Conciliar
Parent Organization
Location
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