Goverment
Contrary to popular beliefs, the Empire is not a unified nation ruled by a powerful central government but is in actuality a massive confederation of fiercely independent states and provinces whose inhabitants are tied together only by a common language, a shared faith in Kammeth and a mutual Imperial culture. Nowadays there are two types of states: the provinces and the city-state. Lalaifia was a wise and calculating leader, and she had the foresight to recognize that the Empire was far too big to be ruled by a single individual. And so she gave the title of High Counts to all the trusted tribal leaders with her, each responsible for managing his or her own territory but subject to the Empress/Emperor in matters relating to its rulership. Their independence was supposed to counterbalance the power of the Empress should she prove too tyrannical as a leader, as well as to ensure mutual but non-violent competition amongst each of the Imperial High Counts. These High Counts are known as the First Bloods, who are the direct descendants of these first tribal Rulers.
These ruling High Counts each have one vote to who will next sit upon the Phoenix Throne. Those ambitious candidates among an Emperors/Empresses children who wish to become Emperor have been known to give away privileges, titles, and power to any man that will cast his vote for them. In the past the interests of each voter were such that they seldom rallied around a strong candidate, for they may find another of his rivals far more "generous" in their "gifts", which has resulted in the weakening of the Imperial system over the decades. Even when the Imperial Throne is transferred to his most capable heir by majority vote thanks to the previous Emperor's influence, voters were quick to remind the newly elected Emperor to renew the promises made by his predecessor.
While the Empire has had a fair share of strong and highly competent Emperors ruling the Empire, many times have the Imperial Throne been occupied by an uncaring Lord who allows his subjects to steal and exploit the Imperial system and her people, often going as far as to ignore the Imperial Edicts once placed by wise and caring rulers of ages past. However, the Imperial System as a whole still continues to work for the Empire as is its purpose, allowing any wise and ambitious future Emperor to take the throne in these coming days and use its powers to better the people under their reign.
The Great Council
Due to its size, the Imperial Government is considered far too large and complex for a single man or woman to allow it to function properly. It is common that each day, the Emperor/Empress must devote attention to dozens of questions, from newly introduced tax policies, the final appeal of a prisoner convicted of treason, or even the official opening of a ceremonial fairground. To succeed in establishing a priority order in this complex system and ensure that only individuals whose cases are really crucial get an audience with the Emperor himself, successive Emperors have often surrounded themselves with advisers chosen from members among the most prominent noble families from the High Houses so that they may assist on legal, financial, diplomatic and military matters in the Emperor's stead. Over time, this gathering of councilors turned into a formal meeting, which officially became the Great Council.
Players will play as a High House of the Greater Realm, each House rules their own provincial state, and these smaller realms are kingdoms in their own right, but all ultimately swear fealty to the Phoenix Throne. The RP will begin with an immediate call for a grand meeting of all the rulers of the lesser realms to decide how to deal the recent threats/events to the realm. They will also decide on who will be placed as the new Lord Regent for the newly appointed heir.
Each High House rules at their own domain, lesser realms that are powerful nations in their own right, with their own armies, traditions, and cultures, but all are united by the worship of the Silver Flame, Lord of Light, the sun god Kammeth himself. Players will have vast control over the lore and events from within their own realm and be a vital part in shaping the empire. Tied history between realms is not only expected but encouraged, as these realms have been neighbors for centuries.
Other open Council seats of the Sky Tower:
Lord Regent, The Lord Regent oversees all common affairs both small and great in the name of the Phoenix Throne, and serves as the main administer or advisor when needed. Second only to the man or woman who sits on the Phoenix Throne itself. Acting as the right hand of the King offers much authority, influence, and raw political power. Only the most trustworthy are given this position, and for good reason.
The Seeker of Secrets, The eye and ears of the crown, the Seeker of Secrets, or more commonly simply called the 'Seeker' by most, oversees the 'Crowns Eyes' an expansive network of spies encompassing from the lowest house servant to the mightiest baron. Their knowledge often obtained by bribes, blackmail, or outright threats, few are fool enough to lie to an Eye of the Crown. Though the High Lords of the Greater Houses are above their authority. When the King wishes to know anything, he turns to his Seeker, and it is the business of the Seeker to always have an answer.
Lord Marshal and First Sword, perhaps the second most powerful position in the realm working for the Throne behind the Lord Regent for The Lord Marshal commands the Royal Phoenix demesnes, which are largely made up from levies pulled from across the Great Realm, every house must give an account of their full might, and a sizable portion of this is taken to serve the crown directly. Aside from organizing the standing army and navy, The First Sword is named so for often leading these very forces in battle directly in the name of the Phoenix Throne. It is a highly prestigious position to be sure, but aside from his duties on and off the battlefield, the Lord Marshal councils his lord in all things martial.
Master of Coin, Perhaps the least glamorous of the council seats, but yet still among the most important, it is the Master of Coin who oversees the kingdom's coffers and is chiefly occupied with the finances of the realm. In addition to finances, the Master of Coin is also the chief diplomat of the realm and is expected to be the face of peace representing the Phoenix Throne to the outside world. It is he who must balance the ledges keeping the realm afloat and out of debt if he can manage it.
Arch Dawnbringer, if the Seeker is the ears and eyes of the Throne, the Lord Regent the right hand and the Marshal the strong arm with the Master of Coin his purse. The Arch Dawnbringer and Chaplain serves as the soul. The unwise might think the Arch Chaplin has little in the ways of power or influence if the current King is more secular than god fearing. Such men could not be more wrong, for the Arch Dawnbringer is the head of the church of Kammeth, the official religion of the realm, and holds the hearts, minds, and faith of the people, for he is seen as the mouthpiece of Kammeth himself. The relationship of the state and the church has always been a tenuous one at best, largely due to the fact that the Arch Dawnbringer often times has as much if not 'more' power than the crown if the masses truly favor him.