Imperial Council

The Imperial Council (or Kaiserrat in Vurolingian) is the primary legislative body of the Vurolingian Empire.

## **Purpose**

The Imperial Council exists to advise the Emperor and to make his word law by implementing policy. Whilst legally subservient to the Emperor in all regards, it is well known that the Kaiserrat has great sway in the decision making process of the Empire. Individuals such as the Marquette and the Pentarchon can use their great influence to pressure the Emperor.

## **The Great Game**

Due to this and other factors, Vurolingian political theorists have coined the term *das große Spiel*, meaning the Great Game. It reflects the careful and tactical game the Emperor has to play to maintain control over his Empire and the Council, often by pitting the council members against each other and limiting their power.

The success or failure of Emperors often rests mostly on their skill at this lethal political game.

## **Reichshalle**

The Kaiserrat resides within the Reichshalle, which is located in the governmental Löwenviertel (Lion's Square) of Adalburg. The Reichshalle holds chambers for gatherings of the council and committees under their control.

## **Seats of the Kaiserrat**

A Seat (Ratsmitglied) is an extraordinarily prestigious position only granted to the closest advisors to the current Emperor and permanent members as declared by the Imperial Constitution of 380 N.A..

### **Permanent Members**

#### **Baron of Adalburg - Adalard Marcus-Vurolingia**

The Council is chaired by the Baron of Adalburg, who by Vurolingian tradition is generally the eldest son of the current Emperor. The Baron serves as the primary intermediary between the Emperor and the Council, which is reflected by his offices in both the Reichshalle and the Reichspalast.

**Baron Adalard Marcus-Vurolingia**, son of Emperor Amalricus III currently serves in this position.

#### **Patriarch - Petros Sanguis**

Prominent amongst the Ratsmitglieder is the Patriarch, who is appointed directly by the Emperor and is thus generally an advisor or even friend of the Kaiser.

Amalricus III appointed **Patriarch Petros Sanguis** early in his reign.

#### **Pentarchon - Taurin Artaud**

The Pentarchon is the most powerful mage of the Vurolingian Empire and according to himself, the world. He holds great power through his rule over the Lebuin Academies, though he is rarely seen outside his personal demiplane to which only a small handful have access to.

For a long time, the **Pentarchon** has been **Taurin Artaud**.

#### **Marquette - Cyrille Blanc**

The Marquette is the leader of the Imperial Soul and is thus vital to the rule of any Emperor. Her intelligence on foreign and domestic matters are crucial to ensuring unity and cohesion within the Empire as a whole.

Since 611 N.A., **Cyrille Blanc** has served the position of **Marquette**, replacing the retiring Paschal Goisfried. Goisfried himself took office in 580 N.A., following the resignation of his predecessor as a direct result of the Crisis of Blaze and Glare.

#### **Feldmarschall - Sylvie Sygarius**

As the leading general of the Empire's armed forces, the Feldmarschall is an important asset to the Emperor, but also a dangerous opponent. They are appointed by the Emperor and can be dismissed at his whims, though this rarely happens and the position tends to be for life.

**Feldmarschall Sylvie Sygarius** was appointed in 616 N.A..

#### **Speaker of Maisen - Reuben Laverty**

The Speaker of Maisen represents the Meadows of Maisen on the Kaiserrat, though their role is mostly symbolic with them effectively having no power on the Council nor in the Meadows themselves.

The Earl that governs Maisen appoints the **Speaker**, who is currently **Reuben Laverty**.

### **Honorary Members (current)**

#### **Viscount Alessio Minuo**

Viscount Minuo's presence on the Kaiserrat is a bit of a mystery. He is a minor noble from the northwestern reaches of the Duchy of Vurolingia, from an area controlled directly by the Chapels of Tanus. He was appointed by decree of the Emperor only 2 years ago in 619 N.A., for unspecified reasons.

The Viscount never makes public appearances and seemingly prefers to remain a shadowy presence in the court of the Emperor.

#### **Princess Thidela Marcus-Vurolingia**

The youngest of the three children of the current Emperor, Princess Thidela has been an honorary member of the Imperial Council since her 18th birthday. It is not excessively unusual for Emperor's to appoint their younger children to the council, though the decision is often unpopular amongst the other council members. It is seen as a means by which the Emperor can shift the balance of power in their favor by getting more direct control over the council and it's decisions.

Curiously, the Emperor's second child Prince Clotaire was dismissed from similar duties on the council 4 years ago, in 617 N.A..

#### **Duke-Electress Donna Tauring**

The Duke-Electress of Thilesia has been granted honorary membership on the Imperial Council, likely as a means of providing her with additional legitimacy in her rule. This is made necessary because her rule remains challenged by the 4 Khans of Thielon, who wield immense power within the city.