Office of External Affairs

The Imperial Office of External Affairs (OEA), also known as the Foreign Office or Ministry of Imperial Defence, is a vital civilian government organization under the Central Empire. Established in 3205 by order of the Sovereign, the OEA's primary role is to manage the Empire's foreign international diplomacy while also collecting and monitoring foreign intelligence.
Before the OEA was created, intelligence gathering was primarily the responsibility of the Imperial Military. However, the Sovereign recognized the need for a dedicated organization to handle foreign intelligence and to connect it to the Government's foreign diplomacy office. This led to the establishment of the OEA, which effectively diverted intelligence gathering away from the military and into the hands of civilian government officials.
The OEA was created alongside The Office of Internal Affairs, its counterpart responsible for security within the Empire, including policing and internal intelligence. Together, the OEA and The Office of Internal Affairs work to ensure the safety and security of the Central Empire both at home and abroad, although there is much rivalry between the two organisations.
The OEA's responsibilities include negotiating treaties, representing the Empire in international organizations, and maintaining relationships with other countries' foreign offices. The office is also responsible for monitoring potential threats to the Empire and analyzing foreign intelligence to help inform government decision-making.
To carry out its duties, the OEA has a large network of foreign embassies and consulates staffed by Imperial diplomats and officials. The office also works closely with other government agencies, including the military, to ensure a coordinated approach to foreign affairs.
==History==
The OEA opened in 3205 as a response to the division of the Armed Forces in that same year. During this division the Emperor and the House of Stewards appointed control of the armed forces to a council of the joint chiefs of the Imperial military branches and political advisors. Among these councillers were the newly appointed Lord Admiral, Lord Commander and Lord Defender, the closest military advisor to the crown, and personal bodyguard of the sovereign. Additonally a seat for Internal Affairs (Policing and Judiciary) and one for External Affairs (Border Defence and Conquest). This division of leadership meant that the task of foreign intelligence was now soley in the control of a high government office, external to the structure and traditional standards of the Imperial military.
==Operations==
The office is constantly operating across the globe, primarily collecting intelligence pertinent to ongoing Imperial military operations. Currently, the OEA is involved in the Revolution in Grearland as well as the ongoing defence of Imperial Unilateral Sovereignty on the Kha'Frri continent.
One controversial aspect of the OEA's operations is the existence of the Counter Revolutionary Warfare Troop (CRW-T), colloquially known as Crow's Talon. This small paramilitary unit operates outside the Imperial Military and has a far greater deal of autonomy and independence than regular military units. The activities of Crow's Talon and of the Office itself are highly classified and protected under legislation to keep their activities secret at the highest level.
The Crow's Talon unit is tasked with carrying out covert action and unconventional military operations, such as sabotage, assassination, counter-insurgency and training and supporting foreign fighters, in support of the OEA's foreign policy objectives. The unit is trained in various forms of warfare and has access to a wide range of resources and equipment that are not available to regular military units. The unit operates in strict secrecy, but its existence is well known and their activities are often the subject of speculation and anecdotes in the Imperial Newspapers.
The CRW-T has been involved in several controversial operations throughout its history, including the assassination of foreign leaders and the destabilization of foreign governments. The unit has been accused of violating international law and human rights in its operations, and there have been calls for greater oversight and accountability of the unit's activities. However, the OEA maintains that the CRW-T is necessary for the protection of Imperial interests and the preservation of Imperial sovereignty in the face of foreign threats and aggression.
Despite the controversy surrounding the unit, the OEA continues to operate Crow's Talon and maintain its secrecy and independence. The OEA is a critical component of the Imperial Government's foreign policy and intelligence gathering operations, and the CRW-T remains an essential tool in the OEA's arsenal for achieving its objectives.