Ministerium Artis et Ministerium Internus Artis

The Ministerium Artis et Ministerium Internus Artis holds a crucial and extensive role within the Thorian Empire. Its primary responsibility is overseeing trade and commerce, both within the empire's territories and across the vast expanse of the galaxy. This ministry plays a vital role in fueling the Thorian economy, ensuring the flow of goods, resources, and services, and upholding the empire's prominence in interstellar trade.

The Ministerium handles external trade, managing the empire's trade relations with various planets, civilizations, and factions throughout the galaxy. Renowned imperial merchants, known for their shrewdness and business acumen, travel far and wide, engaging in trade negotiations and securing agreements with foreign entities. The primary focus is on the exchange of goods, particularly the Thorian Empire's specialty: advanced weaponry. Weapons crafted by the Thorian Empire are highly sought-after commodities, with various factions, including the powerful northern warbands and the wealthy Northern Corporate Hegemony, among their biggest buyers.

In addition to weapons, the Ministerium deals with various other goods, including luxury items, technology, and raw materials. The ministry's skilled diplomats and traders work tirelessly to forge economic alliances, secure beneficial trade deals, and expand the empire's influence and wealth in the galaxy.

On the other hand, the Ministerium also manages internal trade within the Thorian Empire itself. It oversees the movement of goods and resources between different regions and provinces, ensuring a well-functioning and efficient internal trade network. By coordinating with regional authorities, merchants, and local businesses, the ministry ensures a smooth and uninterrupted flow of goods and services. Their efforts are crucial in maintaining economic stability, fair pricing, and the equitable distribution of resources across the imperium.

All contracted and private traders within the Thorian Empire are required to possess the Licentia Commercii Interstellari, a license issued and regulated by the Ministerium Artis et Ministerium Internus Artis. This license grants traders permission to engage in interstellar trade and enforces adherence to the empire's trade regulations and standards. The Licentia Commercii Interstellari ensures that all trade conducted within the empire's borders is conducted lawfully and in accordance with the empire's economic interests.

## History

The history of the Ministerium Artis et Ministerium Internus Artis dates back to the early days of the Thorian Empire, when the need for organized trade and commerce became evident. As the empire expanded its territories and established contact with various civilizations and planets, the demand for a centralized body to oversee trade grew.

Initially, trade was conducted on an individual basis, with merchants and traders from different regions negotiating deals independently. However, this decentralized approach proved to be inefficient and sometimes led to conflicts between traders vying for the same resources and markets.

To address these issues and streamline trade activities, the Thorian Emperor at the time, Emperor Valorian I, decreed the establishment of the Ministry of Trade. Formed as a branch of the imperial government, the ministry's primary mandate was to organize and regulate all aspects of external trade within the empire.

Over the centuries, as the Thorian Empire expanded its influence and economic prowess, the Ministerium Artis et Ministerium Internus Artis evolved and grew in importance. Its role expanded beyond merely overseeing trade agreements to include matters of diplomacy, resource management, and economic policy.

The ministry played a crucial role in securing valuable alliances through trade agreements with neighboring civilizations and beyond. It became the driving force behind the growth of the empire's economy, enabling the exchange of advanced weaponry, technology, and luxury goods.

As the empire faced various challenges, including conflicts with rival factions and internal disputes, the Ministerium Artis et Ministerium Internus Artis demonstrated its resilience and adaptability. It worked tirelessly to maintain trade routes, even during times of unrest and conflict, ensuring a continuous supply of goods and resources for the empire's prosperity.

To ensure fair trade practices and protect the interests of the empire, the ministry established the Licentia Commercii Interstellari, a licensing system that governed all traders and merchants operating within the Thorian Empire. This license became a symbol of trust and legitimacy for traders and was closely monitored by the ministry to prevent illicit activities and smuggling.

As the centuries passed, the Ministerium Artis et Ministerium Internus Artis continued to grow in stature, becoming one of the most influential and powerful ministries within the imperial government. Its diplomats and traders navigated complex political landscapes and brokered crucial trade agreements, solidifying the empire's economic power and diplomatic standing in the galaxy.

## Organization

### Divisions

* **Divisio Commercii Externi**, or **The Division of External Trade**: This division is responsible for regulating and overseeing all trade activities with foreign civilizations, planets, and star systems outside the Thorian Empire. Diplomats and traders from this division negotiate trade agreements, establish economic ties, and ensure fair trade practices with external partners.
* **Divisio Commercii Interni**, or **The Division of Internal Trade**: The internal trade division focuses on trade activities within the Thorian Empire itself. It manages the exchange of goods and resources between different regions and planets within the empire, ensuring a smooth flow of commerce and preventing any disputes or conflicts.
* **Divisio Administrationis Rerum**, or **The Division of Resource Management**: This division is in charge of managing the empire's valuable resources, such as rare minerals, advanced technology, and strategic materials. They ensure proper allocation and distribution of these resources to support the empire's economic growth and military strength.
* **Divisio Intellectus Commercii**, or **The** **Division of Trade Intelligence**: The trade intelligence division gathers and analyzes information related to trade opportunities, market trends, and economic developments both within and outside the empire. They provide valuable insights to decision-makers to devise effective trade strategies.
* **Divisio Licensiae et Regulamentorum**, or **The** **Division of Licensing and Regulation**: This division handles the Licentia Commercii Interstellari, the licensing system that all traders and merchants must obtain to engage in commercial activities within the empire. They enforce trade regulations, monitor trade practices, and address any violations.
* **Divisio Infrastructurae Commercii,** or **The Division of Trade Infrastructure**: This division is responsible for the development and maintenance of trade infrastructure, including starports, space stations, trade routes, and communication hubs. They ensure efficient transportation and communication networks to facilitate trade across the empire. They work heavily with the Ministerium Publicum Opera.

Ranks

* **Minister Commercii,** or **The Minister of Trade**: The highest-ranking official within the ministry, directly appointed by the Emperor. The Minister Commercii oversees and leads all trade-related activities and policies, making crucial decisions that impact the empire's economic well-being.
* **Subministrator Commercii,** or **Deputy Minister of Trade**: Assisting the Minister Commercii are several Subministrorum Commercii who head different divisions of the ministry. Each Subministrator has expertise in a specific area of trade and is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations within their respective divisions.
* **Magister Licensiae et Regulamentorum,** Or **Master of Licensing and Regulation**: This position is responsible for overseeing the licensing system known as "Licentia Commercii Interstellari." They ensure that all traders and merchants have the required licenses and adhere to trade regulations.
* **Magister Infrastructurae Commercii, or Master of Trade Infrastructure**: The Magister Infrastructurae Commercii is in charge of trade infrastructure development, including the construction and maintenance of starports, space stations, and trade routes.
* **Magister Administrationis Rerum**, or **Master of Resource Management**: This role is responsible for managing and allocating the empire's valuable resources, ensuring they are used efficiently to support trade and economic growth.
* **Magister Intellectus Commercii**, or **Master of Trade Intelligence**: The Magister Intellectus Commercii leads the division responsible for gathering and analyzing trade-related information, providing valuable insights to support strategic trade decisions.
* **Scribae**, or **Scribes**: The Scribae are skilled record-keepers who create trade plans, process trade requests, and maintain detailed trade-related documentation.
* **Magistri Serfis Ministerii**, or **Masters of Ministry Serfs**: These officials oversee and manage the Ministry Serfs, who are assistants and menial workers supporting various administrative tasks within the ministry.
* **Ministerium Serfis,** or **Ministry Serfs**: The Ministry Serfs are the assistants and menial workers who provide crucial support in day-to-day operations, ensuring that trade-related processes run smoothly.