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{{About|the Imperial Position|the coin|Currency}}
<quote by="Walter Brewer, Senator for Upwold">A bleeding pox take your manners. Having a beard doesn't make you wise. We could put a pig in that chair and put a crown on it - it would still be a ruddy pig. She can have my respect when she earns it.</quote>
==Overview==
The Throne is the most powerful political position in the Empire. It is the formal title for the position of the head of the Imperial state, be they emperor or empress. The occupant heads the [[Imperial Senate]], the [[Imperial Synod]] and the [[Imperial Military Council]] and serves as a rallying figure for the entire Empire.


== Overview ==
The powers of The Throne were codified when the Empire was first created and have remained largely unchanged since then. There have been [[Historical Empresses and Emperors|twenty Emperors and Empresses]] since the Empire was created.
==Duties==
The Throne holds a unique power: as a head of state, an Emperor or Empress is the only person who can have simultaneous influence in the Senate, the Synod and the Military Council. This gives them a signature ability to help provide unity of vision to the entire Empire and to guide it towards its manifest destiny.
==Limitations==
===No Proxy===
The Throne is not entitled to appoint a [[proxy]]. This restriction presents any potential for fraud by a claimant as well as avoiding any possibility of two participants acting as The Throne simultaneously (the incumbent and a proxy). Ultimately though this limitation was imposed by the founders to limit the powers of The Throne - the powers of an Empress are potent, but she must be physically present to utilise them. The only exception is an [[#Imperial Favour|Imperial favour]].


Created at the founding of the Empire the role of Empress is that of leading the Empire through times of troubles; whether that be military, political or economic has not mattered historically. When the Empire requires a single point of decision making, or needs to reform its institutions, it is the position of Empress that provides that executive authority.
===Senate Support===
The Throne may use the legal powers granted to them without approval of the Senate, but they cannot propose a [[Senate motion]]. The Throne does not even receive a vote in the Senate, as they are expected to remain above the natural politics of the chamber.
===Constitution===
Although The Throne is needed to ratify amendments to the [[Imperial Constitution]] which have been passed by the Senate, they cannot approve an unconstitutional motion. A motion that has been struck down by the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|constitutional court]] because it is considered to violate the spirit of the Constitution cannot be ratified by an Empress.
===Synod Veto===
Three powers of the Throne - [[#The Hand of the Chancellor|Hand of the Chancellor]], [[#Face of the Empire| Face of the Empire]], and [[#Declaration of War|Declaration of War]] - are made by announcement in the Senate. As with any announcement, if the [[Imperial Synod]] choose to use their [[veto]] then The Throne may not make another announcement which is functionally the same until the next summit. For example, if the use of Hand of the Chancellor were vetoed by the Synod then it could not be used again that summit. If the Synod vetoed a Declaration of War by The Throne, The Throne could not declare war against the same country or power that summit.


== Role within the Empire ==
==Powers==
===Powers of State===
====Member of the Senate====
The Throne is a [[Senate session#Member_of_the_Senate|member of the Senate]]. They are entitled to enter the Senate chamber at the start of a [[Senate session]] and participate in the debates.
====Right of Address====
The Throne has the right to make a [[Senate address]] once per summit. As a member of the Senate, The Throne is able to participate freely in the debates there, but this power allows them to deliver an impassioned speech on a subject of their choice. To make an address, The Throne must add the address to the agenda for the next [[Senate session]].
====The Hand of the Chancellor====
Up to one third of the residual income to the Imperial Treasury each season can be [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#The_Imperial_Treasury|disbursed]] by The Throne without approval by the Senate. They may take these funds and dispose of them as they choose. To use this power, The Throne must make an appropriate [[Senate announcement|announcement]] in a Senate session. If the General [[Assembly]] of the [[Imperial Synod]] [[veto]] the announcement, then The Throne may not use the Hand of the Chancellor again that summit.


As a titular figurehead of the Empire the role of Empress provides an essential decision making facility in emergencies; where as the Senate must debate for hours to achieve anything the capability of the Empress to make and deploy rapid responses in crisises has been proved vital on a number of occassions. It also has expressed the vulnerability of so much power located in an individual at points in the empire's history and that has meant that currently there are powers in other Imperial institutions to recall the Empress if such is required again.
The maximum that The Throne may disburse in this way during a summit is equal to a third of the Senate's income for that summit, after all upkeep has been paid. The Imperial Treasury cannot go into debt, so no motion or announcement may disburse more thrones than remain in the Treasury.
====Ratification====
If a constitutional vote in the Senate is successful, then the motion is passed but does not become law until it is ratified by signature by The Throne. This means that it is not possible to make any alterations to the constitution unless they are ratified by The Throne. The Throne may choose whether to ratify constitutional changes or not. Any constitutional changes which are not ratified remain in suspension and may be ratified by a future occupant of The Throne. One of the first jobs of a new Throne is often to ratify several outstanding constitutional changes.


====Power of Veto====
The Throne may veto any motion that has been passed by the Imperial Senate. Unlike the power of veto exercised by the Synod, this power can be used any number of times without limitation. To veto legislation, The Throne must be present when the vote is taken and must exercise the veto ''immediately'' after the vote. An announcement is legally considered to be equivalent to a motion.


== Entry Requirements ==
The Throne may also veto a [[Senate_session#Curtailment|vote of curtailment]]. They cannot veto the use of legal powers in the Senate, for example they cannot veto the [[Senate_address|right of address]], nor can they veto a vote to recognize a proxy.


To become Empress is the childhood ambition of so many boys and girls when they play their childhood games. For some it lasts far into their adulthood, but it is so difficult a task that few would ever have even a sliver of a chance of success.  
====Exclusion from the Senate====
The Throne may order a single senator removed from the Senate for the duration of a vote. They are not required to present a justification for this action. Unlike the [[Speaker for the Senate]], they may only remove a single senator during a session and only for the duration of a single motion. Traditionally the Speaker uses their power to exclude senators whose behaviour is disorderly while The Throne acts to remove senators whose behaviour is considered to go against the best interests of the Empire.
====Declaration of War====
The Throne can [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Diplomacy|declare war on any foreign power]]. Unlike the Senate, they are not able to end a state of war with another nation. To use this power, The Throne must make an appropriate [[Senate announcement|announcement]] in a Senate session.


Any Imperial citizen in good standing may be nominated for the throne of the Empress by a Senator when the Iron Voice hosting the session of the Senate asks if there is to be a candidate for the throne (this is a convention of every Senate session and it is very rare that any Senator will meet the Speaker's eyes when it is asked).  
If the declaration of war is vetoed by the Imperial Synod, then The Throne may not make another declaration of war ''against the same nation'' for the remainder of the summit.
====Address the Empire====
<!-- This section is copied to the Category:Imperial Address page so if you change it adjust the wording there too plz -->
Each summit, The Throne can grant a single citizen the right to address the Empire. The chosen citizen must provide the Imperial civil service with their words in writing over the following weeks. Their words will then be copied by scribes and spread throughout the land. The Throne may choose to address the Empire themselves or name any other Imperial citizen.


Given the difficulty of the election and the arduous nature of the role then it is felt that any candidate is often needed to be head and shoulder's above their peers, though sometimes a political compromise wins through.
The text of the address must be submitted by e-mailing [mailto:plot@profounddecisions.co.uk plot@profounddecisions.co.uk] before the end of the downtime following the event. The letter will form part of the Winds of War and Winds of Fortune update that appear on the wiki for the next event but must be submitted before they appear online.


== History ==
====Face of the Empire====
The Throne may remove an [[ambassador]] from their position. The Throne must make an appropriate [[Senate announcement|announcement]] in a Senate session. If the General [[Assembly]] of the [[Imperial Synod]] [[veto]] the announcement, then The Throne may not use the Face of the Empire ''against the same ambassador'' for the remainder of the summit.


The position of Empress has generated some of the greatest heros and heroines of the Empire and also some of the most controversial figures. The Senate and Synod have long recognised that placing an inappropriate candidate on the throne, with the powers associated, is a very risky proposition. For this reason the appointment of the Empress is done by constitutional vote and the first act of a successfully elected candidate should be the ratification of their appointment.
The occupant of The Throne automatically assumes responsibility for representing the Empire to that [[Foreign_nations| foreign nation]] and all associated legal rights accorded to that ambassador. In effect, the power to negotiate a treaty, to send a letter to their counterpart in the other nation, and the running of any associated [[ministry]]  become part of the legal powers of The Throne for the duration.


For details of the Empresses see [[History|The History of the Empire]]
The Throne continues to operate as the ambassador until a new election is held for the position. This happens when the assumed title of ambassador comes due for re-election at the normal time - or when The Throne is revoked. The ambassador that loses their position in this way is no longer considered to possess an Imperial title.
While holding the responsibilities of the removed ambassador, The Throne cannot remove any further ambassadors from their position. The Throne cannot choose to appoint a new ambassador to take their responsibilities from them. This means that they cannot use this power again before a new election takes place for the title.


== Structure and Dynamics ==
===Powers of Virtue===
====Member of the Assembly of Nine====
The Throne is a member of [[The_Assemblies_of_the_Synod#The_Assembly_of_Nine|the Assembly of Nine]]. They have a single ordinary vote in the Assembly, like all other members. In the event the Throne does not lead a [[congregation]], they may raise a single [[judgement]] each season in the Assembly of Nine (only).


There is little structure attached to the role of Empress; it has always been considered an independent role and the manner in which it has been done to be the remit of the Empress herself. Traditionally, though, the Empress has gone to the front lines, to where the Empire has been under threat and worked there with a dedicated team of individuals, none of whom carry official title. This has ensured that there has been no sense of requirement on the Senate to install a candidate from those around the throne should an Empress fall and has reduced any possible nepotism that would otherwise have emerged.
In addition they may cast a deciding vote in the event of a tie between assembly members. To cast a deciding vote, they must be present in the Hub when the outcome of the vote is being determined.


== Powers and Functions ==
====Custodian of Virtue====
The Throne may intercede in the creation of any judgement by any assembly that requires a [[Judgement#Majority|lesser majority]] of the [[Imperial Synod]]. This intercession causes the judgement to require the greater majority to pass. To use this power, The Throne must intercede before the judgement is complete; they cannot use this power ''after'' a judgement has been rendered. The Throne does not have the ability to rescind the use of this power once they have announced its use.


Constitutional Ratification - MORE TO BE ADDED <i>This power does not pass to the Senate when there is no Empress.</i>
If the judgement fails to pass, then any subsequent judgement raised in the same summit that would have the same outcome automatically requires the greater majority.
====The Mercy of the Empress====
The Throne may present an appeal for clemency on behalf of any Imperial Citizen who is being sentenced. The citizen must have pleaded guilty during their trial and The Throne must present the appeal on Virtuous grounds.
====The Gift of Liao====
The first portion of [[Liao#True_Liao|true liao]] that is produced by the Synod in each season is given to The Throne. The Throne may dispense this portion of liao as they choose.
===Powers of Magic===
====Order of The Throne====
If the Throne is present, they may nominate any citizen, including themselves, to speak during a [[Conclave session]]. To use this power, the Throne must be present during the Conclave session. The Throne is always asked to nominate first on any [[declaration]]  being discussed.


Appointment of the First Generals - MORE TO BE ADDED <i>This power does pass to the Senate when there is no Empress.</i>
In addition, the Order of the Throne has additional weight when it comes to curtailing the discussion of a declaration. If the Throne ''moves to vote'' then the formal debate always closes at the end of the current round. Every grandmaster has one final chance to nominate a speaker before voting commences.


The Mercy of the Empress - MORE TO BE ADDED <i>This power does not pass to the Senate when there is no Empress.</i>
If granted via an Imperial favour, the Order of the Throne lasts for the entire session, including the power to curtail discussion.


Leadership - MORE TO BE ADDED <i>This function does not pass to the Senate when there is no Empress.</i>
====The First and the Last====
Before the Conclave session begins, the Throne can make two alterations to the Agenda. They can declare a single declaration to be primary, ensuring that it will be the first declaration to be presented and discussed. They can also name the final declaration choosing one declaration to be presented and discussed at the end of the session. This power takes precedence over the power of the [[Imperial Magus]]. To use this power the Throne must inform the office of the [[Prefect of the Conclave]] of the changes they are making to the agenda before the Conclave session begins.


Titular head of State - MORE TO BE ADDED <i>This function does pass to the Senate when there is no Empress.</i>
====Address the Conclave====
At the start of each Conclave session there is a single opportunity for the Throne to address the magicians present. The Throne can choose to address the Conclave personally or else nominate a single citizen to speak.  


== Resources ==
The Throne must pay mana to do so following the [[Imperial_Conclave#Conclave_Principles|Principle of Proportions]] for speaking before the Conclave, one mana for the first minute, two for the second and so on. To use this power the Throne simply informs the Prefect of their intention and the address is added to the Conclave agenda as the first order of business before any declarations are presented.


The Throne of the Empress has a set of Campaign Resources for the Empress herself and a number to be granted at her behest. Details of these will be added at a later date.
====Declaration of Candidacy====
<!--{{Power of Declaration|Throne|Candidacy}}-->
The Throne is empowered to raise a single [[Declaration]] of [[Candidacy]] each summit to the agenda for debate during a [[Conclave session]]. The Civil Service will provide the Throne with a single writ. They can complete the writ themselves or give it to any other citizen to submit. To add the declaration to the Conclave agenda it must be handed to the [[Prefect of the Conclave]] at least one hour before the [[Conclave session]] begins.


== Icons and Imagery ==
===Powers of War===
====Member of the Military Council====
The Throne is a [[Council_session#Member_of_the_Military_Council|member of the Council]]. They are entitled to enter the Council chamber at any time, participate in the debates and cast a single vote on any issue. In addition to voting normally, The Throne may cast the deciding vote in the case that a vote is tied.
====Power of Veto====
The Throne may [[veto]] any vote that has been passed by the Imperial Military Council during a [[Council session]]. This power can be used any number of times without limitation. To veto a decision, The Throne must be present when the vote is taken and must exercise the veto ''immediately'' after the vote. The Throne may not veto the decision taken during the [[muster]] on which battle opportunities to take and which nations will take the field.
====Right of Address====
The Throne has the right to make a [[Council address]] once per summit. As a member of the Military Council, The Throne is able to participate freely in the debates there, but this power allows them to deliver an impassioned speech on a subject of their choice. To make an address, The Throne must add the address to the agenda for the next [[Council session]].
====Defender of the Empire====
The Throne may remove a [[general]] from their position on the Imperial Military Council. The occupant of The Throne automatically assumes responsibility for and control of the [[Imperial army]] and all associated legal rights accorded to that general. In effect, command of the army and the right to appoint an adjutant become part of the legal powers of The Throne for the duration.


Horse, Throne, Eight or more crowns.
The Throne continues to operate as the general until a new election is held for the position. This happens when the assumed title of general comes due for re-election at the normal time - or when The Throne is revoked. The general that loses their position in this way is no longer considered to possess an Imperial title.


== Children and the Empress ==
While holding the responsibilities of the removed general, The Throne cannot remove any further generals from their position. The Throne cannot choose to appoint a new general to take their responsibilities from them. This means that they they cannot use this power again before a new election takes place for the title.
<!--To be clear, the synod cannot revoke the general-bit of The Throne - its the whole Throne or nothing. Effectively control of that army and all powers of that general are now part of the powers of The Throne from our pov -->
===Imperial Favour===
{{CaptionedImage|file=ImperatrixCourt.jpg|caption=An Imperial Favour allows The Throne to delegate certain powers to trusted allies.|align=right|width=400}}
The Throne has the right to award a chosen citizen with an Imperial Favour. A Favour can be presented at any time, and allows the bearer to perform a single act with the full power of The Throne. E.g. A citizen may claim the first portion of pure liao that is produced that season or they may issue a declaration of war. The Favour must be physically presented to the relevant body to be used.


It is expected for the Empress to act as an inspiration for the children of the Empire and to act directly as a role model for them both day to day and across the arc of her career. It has been common in Imperial history for the Empress to in fact meet children in their schools or with their families and to be reminded of the future citizens whom she serves by serving the Empire. Where an Empress has shunned children or avoided them then they have been viewed with significant suspicion and such behaviour has often caused questions to be raised in the Synod about their attitude.
It is possible for The Throne to create an Imperial Favour which must be used within a period of time stated on the favour. It is also possible for a favour to be limited in terms of what powers of The Throne can be used and it is common for favours to be created to allow the use of a single specific power. It can also be limited so that it can only be used by a named individual or group. Whatever powers are accessible by the holder of a favour - it can still only ever be used once. It is not possible to specify how a power can be used or place limits on it. For example, a favour that allows the bearer to use the [[The_Throne#The_Hand_of_the_Chancellor|Hand of the Chancellor]] can not set limits on how much money can be disbursed nor specify what the money must be spent on.  


=== Note: The Title of Empress ===
An Imperial Favour is a physical document describing the specific power that can be used, created with the assistance of a Magistrate. An individual occupant of the Throne may only have one favour in existence at any one time. They may not award an additional favour until their current favour has been presented and fulfilled. Any favour not presented by the time of the death of an Empress or Emperor remains valid until it is used. An Imperial favour is transferable and may be passed to another if the current owner desires.
====Using an Imperial Favour====
In legal terms, when an Imperial Favour is used, it counts as if it were being used by The Throne. For example, an Imperial Favour that was used to replace an Imperial general would count as if it were used by the Throne. Any existing general's position occupied by The Throne would be vacated; the new occupant would carry out the duties of the title only until The Throne used the same power again.


The title, the position and all female holders of the position are referred to as Empress as the first to take the throne was the First Empress. In honour of her it is so referred. Male citizens who take the title have often elected to have themselves referred to as Emperor, but not all have done so.
If a favour grants access to any power that is defined as part of the [[The_Throne#Powers_of_State|powers of state]], then the bearer is automatically granted the power of a [[Senate_session#Member_of_the_Senate|member of the Senate]]. The favour ceases to provide this benefit after it is invoked - the Speaker will invite the bearer to carry out the favour of The Throne and then withdraw once that is complete.
[[Category:The Empress]]
 
[[Category:The Empire]]
If a favour grants access to any power that is defined as part of the [[The_Throne#Powers_of_War|powers of war]], then the bearer is automatically granted the power of a [[Council_session#Member_of_the_Military_Council|member of the Military Council]]. The favour ceases to provide this benefit after it is invoked - the Herald will invite the bearer to carry out the favour of The Throne and then withdraw once that is complete. The exception to this is that a [[Senator]] ''[[Senator#Military_Council_Prohibition|cannot]]'' attend meetings of the military council, even if they have a favour. This effectively means that a Senator is unable to use any favour granting one of the powers of war.
 
If a favour is used to claim [[#Member_of_the_Assembly_of_Nine|membership of the Assembly of Nine]] then the bearer is entitled to vote on a single judgement, or to raise a judgement and vote on it.
 
If a favour is used to enact the [[#Order_of_The_Throne|Order of The Throne]] then the power lasts for the entire [[Conclave session]].
====Further Reading====
Some [[historical research]] relating to potentially still existing Imperial Favours from [[historical Thrones]] has been [[Imperial Favour|made public]].
 
==Appointment==
{{CaptionedImage|file=ThroneVesna.jpg|caption='''Vesna Borkovna Prochnost''' (seated), the Throne|align=right|width=400}}
Any Imperial citizen may seek election to the Throne but appointment requires a [[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|constitutional vote]] by the Imperial Senate.  
Although many occupants of the Throne have been senators before their accession, there is no requirement to be so. The Senate may choose ''any'' Imperial citizen.
 
The exact procedure is as follows:
* A motion is raised that we should have a Throne.
* Any holder of an Imperial title with the power of proposal can choose to put forward a candidate (whether that is themselves or another imperial citizen).
* Each candidate has the opportunity to give a short speech, in the order in which they were nominated.
* Every senator then stands behind the single candidate they wish to give their support to or moves to a designated 'none of the above' area.
* If any candidate has got the required two-thirds of all senators in support ([[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|constitutional majority]]) then they have succeeded.
* If there is no successful candidate then, with no further discussion, senators are given a short amount of time to reconsider their position and move their support if they wish.
* If any move then a recount is conducted, still seeking a [[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|constitutional majority]] for a successful candidate.
* This process is repeated until none of the senators wish to move their support, meaning that there will be no successful candidate. In this case the motion has failed.
* If any candidate is successful then they become emperor or empress at the start of the next Senate session after the Synod ([[General Assembly]] or [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of Nine]]) have had time to [[Veto|consider their position]].
* One of the first tasks undertaken by the Throne is the ratification of their own appointment (which is after all a Constitutional motion).
* The coronation of the new Throne is normally scheduled for the following summit.
 
The Throne serves until they die or step down. The Throne can only be [[revocation|revoked]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly of the Synod]].
{{RecentElections|The_Throne}}
{{Senate Further Reading}}
* [[Historical Thrones]]
[[Category:The Empire]][[Category:Senate]][[Category:The Throne]][[Category:Title]][[Category:Military Council]]

Latest revision as of 11:07, 15 October 2024

This article is about the Imperial Position. For the coin, see Currency.

A bleeding pox take your manners. Having a beard doesn't make you wise. We could put a pig in that chair and put a crown on it - it would still be a ruddy pig. She can have my respect when she earns it.

Walter Brewer, Senator for Upwold

Overview

The Throne is the most powerful political position in the Empire. It is the formal title for the position of the head of the Imperial state, be they emperor or empress. The occupant heads the Imperial Senate, the Imperial Synod and the Imperial Military Council and serves as a rallying figure for the entire Empire.

The powers of The Throne were codified when the Empire was first created and have remained largely unchanged since then. There have been twenty Emperors and Empresses since the Empire was created.

Duties

The Throne holds a unique power: as a head of state, an Emperor or Empress is the only person who can have simultaneous influence in the Senate, the Synod and the Military Council. This gives them a signature ability to help provide unity of vision to the entire Empire and to guide it towards its manifest destiny.

Limitations

No Proxy

The Throne is not entitled to appoint a proxy. This restriction presents any potential for fraud by a claimant as well as avoiding any possibility of two participants acting as The Throne simultaneously (the incumbent and a proxy). Ultimately though this limitation was imposed by the founders to limit the powers of The Throne - the powers of an Empress are potent, but she must be physically present to utilise them. The only exception is an Imperial favour.

Senate Support

The Throne may use the legal powers granted to them without approval of the Senate, but they cannot propose a Senate motion. The Throne does not even receive a vote in the Senate, as they are expected to remain above the natural politics of the chamber.

Constitution

Although The Throne is needed to ratify amendments to the Imperial Constitution which have been passed by the Senate, they cannot approve an unconstitutional motion. A motion that has been struck down by the constitutional court because it is considered to violate the spirit of the Constitution cannot be ratified by an Empress.

Synod Veto

Three powers of the Throne - Hand of the Chancellor, Face of the Empire, and Declaration of War - are made by announcement in the Senate. As with any announcement, if the Imperial Synod choose to use their veto then The Throne may not make another announcement which is functionally the same until the next summit. For example, if the use of Hand of the Chancellor were vetoed by the Synod then it could not be used again that summit. If the Synod vetoed a Declaration of War by The Throne, The Throne could not declare war against the same country or power that summit.

Powers

Powers of State

Member of the Senate

The Throne is a member of the Senate. They are entitled to enter the Senate chamber at the start of a Senate session and participate in the debates.

Right of Address

The Throne has the right to make a Senate address once per summit. As a member of the Senate, The Throne is able to participate freely in the debates there, but this power allows them to deliver an impassioned speech on a subject of their choice. To make an address, The Throne must add the address to the agenda for the next Senate session.

The Hand of the Chancellor

Up to one third of the residual income to the Imperial Treasury each season can be disbursed by The Throne without approval by the Senate. They may take these funds and dispose of them as they choose. To use this power, The Throne must make an appropriate announcement in a Senate session. If the General Assembly of the Imperial Synod veto the announcement, then The Throne may not use the Hand of the Chancellor again that summit.

The maximum that The Throne may disburse in this way during a summit is equal to a third of the Senate's income for that summit, after all upkeep has been paid. The Imperial Treasury cannot go into debt, so no motion or announcement may disburse more thrones than remain in the Treasury.

Ratification

If a constitutional vote in the Senate is successful, then the motion is passed but does not become law until it is ratified by signature by The Throne. This means that it is not possible to make any alterations to the constitution unless they are ratified by The Throne. The Throne may choose whether to ratify constitutional changes or not. Any constitutional changes which are not ratified remain in suspension and may be ratified by a future occupant of The Throne. One of the first jobs of a new Throne is often to ratify several outstanding constitutional changes.

Power of Veto

The Throne may veto any motion that has been passed by the Imperial Senate. Unlike the power of veto exercised by the Synod, this power can be used any number of times without limitation. To veto legislation, The Throne must be present when the vote is taken and must exercise the veto immediately after the vote. An announcement is legally considered to be equivalent to a motion.

The Throne may also veto a vote of curtailment. They cannot veto the use of legal powers in the Senate, for example they cannot veto the right of address, nor can they veto a vote to recognize a proxy.

Exclusion from the Senate

The Throne may order a single senator removed from the Senate for the duration of a vote. They are not required to present a justification for this action. Unlike the Speaker for the Senate, they may only remove a single senator during a session and only for the duration of a single motion. Traditionally the Speaker uses their power to exclude senators whose behaviour is disorderly while The Throne acts to remove senators whose behaviour is considered to go against the best interests of the Empire.

Declaration of War

The Throne can declare war on any foreign power. Unlike the Senate, they are not able to end a state of war with another nation. To use this power, The Throne must make an appropriate announcement in a Senate session.

If the declaration of war is vetoed by the Imperial Synod, then The Throne may not make another declaration of war against the same nation for the remainder of the summit.

Address the Empire

Each summit, The Throne can grant a single citizen the right to address the Empire. The chosen citizen must provide the Imperial civil service with their words in writing over the following weeks. Their words will then be copied by scribes and spread throughout the land. The Throne may choose to address the Empire themselves or name any other Imperial citizen.

The text of the address must be submitted by e-mailing plot@profounddecisions.co.uk before the end of the downtime following the event. The letter will form part of the Winds of War and Winds of Fortune update that appear on the wiki for the next event but must be submitted before they appear online.

Face of the Empire

The Throne may remove an ambassador from their position. The Throne must make an appropriate announcement in a Senate session. If the General Assembly of the Imperial Synod veto the announcement, then The Throne may not use the Face of the Empire against the same ambassador for the remainder of the summit.

The occupant of The Throne automatically assumes responsibility for representing the Empire to that foreign nation and all associated legal rights accorded to that ambassador. In effect, the power to negotiate a treaty, to send a letter to their counterpart in the other nation, and the running of any associated ministry become part of the legal powers of The Throne for the duration.

The Throne continues to operate as the ambassador until a new election is held for the position. This happens when the assumed title of ambassador comes due for re-election at the normal time - or when The Throne is revoked. The ambassador that loses their position in this way is no longer considered to possess an Imperial title. While holding the responsibilities of the removed ambassador, The Throne cannot remove any further ambassadors from their position. The Throne cannot choose to appoint a new ambassador to take their responsibilities from them. This means that they cannot use this power again before a new election takes place for the title.

Powers of Virtue

Member of the Assembly of Nine

The Throne is a member of the Assembly of Nine. They have a single ordinary vote in the Assembly, like all other members. In the event the Throne does not lead a congregation, they may raise a single judgement each season in the Assembly of Nine (only).

In addition they may cast a deciding vote in the event of a tie between assembly members. To cast a deciding vote, they must be present in the Hub when the outcome of the vote is being determined.

Custodian of Virtue

The Throne may intercede in the creation of any judgement by any assembly that requires a lesser majority of the Imperial Synod. This intercession causes the judgement to require the greater majority to pass. To use this power, The Throne must intercede before the judgement is complete; they cannot use this power after a judgement has been rendered. The Throne does not have the ability to rescind the use of this power once they have announced its use.

If the judgement fails to pass, then any subsequent judgement raised in the same summit that would have the same outcome automatically requires the greater majority.

The Mercy of the Empress

The Throne may present an appeal for clemency on behalf of any Imperial Citizen who is being sentenced. The citizen must have pleaded guilty during their trial and The Throne must present the appeal on Virtuous grounds.

The Gift of Liao

The first portion of true liao that is produced by the Synod in each season is given to The Throne. The Throne may dispense this portion of liao as they choose.

Powers of Magic

Order of The Throne

If the Throne is present, they may nominate any citizen, including themselves, to speak during a Conclave session. To use this power, the Throne must be present during the Conclave session. The Throne is always asked to nominate first on any declaration being discussed.

In addition, the Order of the Throne has additional weight when it comes to curtailing the discussion of a declaration. If the Throne moves to vote then the formal debate always closes at the end of the current round. Every grandmaster has one final chance to nominate a speaker before voting commences.

If granted via an Imperial favour, the Order of the Throne lasts for the entire session, including the power to curtail discussion.

The First and the Last

Before the Conclave session begins, the Throne can make two alterations to the Agenda. They can declare a single declaration to be primary, ensuring that it will be the first declaration to be presented and discussed. They can also name the final declaration choosing one declaration to be presented and discussed at the end of the session. This power takes precedence over the power of the Imperial Magus. To use this power the Throne must inform the office of the Prefect of the Conclave of the changes they are making to the agenda before the Conclave session begins.

Address the Conclave

At the start of each Conclave session there is a single opportunity for the Throne to address the magicians present. The Throne can choose to address the Conclave personally or else nominate a single citizen to speak.

The Throne must pay mana to do so following the Principle of Proportions for speaking before the Conclave, one mana for the first minute, two for the second and so on. To use this power the Throne simply informs the Prefect of their intention and the address is added to the Conclave agenda as the first order of business before any declarations are presented.

Declaration of Candidacy

The Throne is empowered to raise a single Declaration of Candidacy each summit to the agenda for debate during a Conclave session. The Civil Service will provide the Throne with a single writ. They can complete the writ themselves or give it to any other citizen to submit. To add the declaration to the Conclave agenda it must be handed to the Prefect of the Conclave at least one hour before the Conclave session begins.

Powers of War

Member of the Military Council

The Throne is a member of the Council. They are entitled to enter the Council chamber at any time, participate in the debates and cast a single vote on any issue. In addition to voting normally, The Throne may cast the deciding vote in the case that a vote is tied.

Power of Veto

The Throne may veto any vote that has been passed by the Imperial Military Council during a Council session. This power can be used any number of times without limitation. To veto a decision, The Throne must be present when the vote is taken and must exercise the veto immediately after the vote. The Throne may not veto the decision taken during the muster on which battle opportunities to take and which nations will take the field.

Right of Address

The Throne has the right to make a Council address once per summit. As a member of the Military Council, The Throne is able to participate freely in the debates there, but this power allows them to deliver an impassioned speech on a subject of their choice. To make an address, The Throne must add the address to the agenda for the next Council session.

Defender of the Empire

The Throne may remove a general from their position on the Imperial Military Council. The occupant of The Throne automatically assumes responsibility for and control of the Imperial army and all associated legal rights accorded to that general. In effect, command of the army and the right to appoint an adjutant become part of the legal powers of The Throne for the duration.

The Throne continues to operate as the general until a new election is held for the position. This happens when the assumed title of general comes due for re-election at the normal time - or when The Throne is revoked. The general that loses their position in this way is no longer considered to possess an Imperial title.

While holding the responsibilities of the removed general, The Throne cannot remove any further generals from their position. The Throne cannot choose to appoint a new general to take their responsibilities from them. This means that they they cannot use this power again before a new election takes place for the title.

Imperial Favour

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An Imperial Favour allows The Throne to delegate certain powers to trusted allies.

The Throne has the right to award a chosen citizen with an Imperial Favour. A Favour can be presented at any time, and allows the bearer to perform a single act with the full power of The Throne. E.g. A citizen may claim the first portion of pure liao that is produced that season or they may issue a declaration of war. The Favour must be physically presented to the relevant body to be used.

It is possible for The Throne to create an Imperial Favour which must be used within a period of time stated on the favour. It is also possible for a favour to be limited in terms of what powers of The Throne can be used and it is common for favours to be created to allow the use of a single specific power. It can also be limited so that it can only be used by a named individual or group. Whatever powers are accessible by the holder of a favour - it can still only ever be used once. It is not possible to specify how a power can be used or place limits on it. For example, a favour that allows the bearer to use the Hand of the Chancellor can not set limits on how much money can be disbursed nor specify what the money must be spent on.

An Imperial Favour is a physical document describing the specific power that can be used, created with the assistance of a Magistrate. An individual occupant of the Throne may only have one favour in existence at any one time. They may not award an additional favour until their current favour has been presented and fulfilled. Any favour not presented by the time of the death of an Empress or Emperor remains valid until it is used. An Imperial favour is transferable and may be passed to another if the current owner desires.

Using an Imperial Favour

In legal terms, when an Imperial Favour is used, it counts as if it were being used by The Throne. For example, an Imperial Favour that was used to replace an Imperial general would count as if it were used by the Throne. Any existing general's position occupied by The Throne would be vacated; the new occupant would carry out the duties of the title only until The Throne used the same power again.

If a favour grants access to any power that is defined as part of the powers of state, then the bearer is automatically granted the power of a member of the Senate. The favour ceases to provide this benefit after it is invoked - the Speaker will invite the bearer to carry out the favour of The Throne and then withdraw once that is complete.

If a favour grants access to any power that is defined as part of the powers of war, then the bearer is automatically granted the power of a member of the Military Council. The favour ceases to provide this benefit after it is invoked - the Herald will invite the bearer to carry out the favour of The Throne and then withdraw once that is complete. The exception to this is that a Senator cannot attend meetings of the military council, even if they have a favour. This effectively means that a Senator is unable to use any favour granting one of the powers of war.

If a favour is used to claim membership of the Assembly of Nine then the bearer is entitled to vote on a single judgement, or to raise a judgement and vote on it.

If a favour is used to enact the Order of The Throne then the power lasts for the entire Conclave session.

Further Reading

Some historical research relating to potentially still existing Imperial Favours from historical Thrones has been made public.

Appointment

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Vesna Borkovna Prochnost (seated), the Throne

Any Imperial citizen may seek election to the Throne but appointment requires a constitutional vote by the Imperial Senate. Although many occupants of the Throne have been senators before their accession, there is no requirement to be so. The Senate may choose any Imperial citizen.

The exact procedure is as follows:

  • A motion is raised that we should have a Throne.
  • Any holder of an Imperial title with the power of proposal can choose to put forward a candidate (whether that is themselves or another imperial citizen).
  • Each candidate has the opportunity to give a short speech, in the order in which they were nominated.
  • Every senator then stands behind the single candidate they wish to give their support to or moves to a designated 'none of the above' area.
  • If any candidate has got the required two-thirds of all senators in support (constitutional majority) then they have succeeded.
  • If there is no successful candidate then, with no further discussion, senators are given a short amount of time to reconsider their position and move their support if they wish.
  • If any move then a recount is conducted, still seeking a constitutional majority for a successful candidate.
  • This process is repeated until none of the senators wish to move their support, meaning that there will be no successful candidate. In this case the motion has failed.
  • If any candidate is successful then they become emperor or empress at the start of the next Senate session after the Synod (General Assembly or Assembly of Nine) have had time to consider their position.
  • One of the first tasks undertaken by the Throne is the ratification of their own appointment (which is after all a Constitutional motion).
  • The coronation of the new Throne is normally scheduled for the following summit.

The Throne serves until they die or step down. The Throne can only be revoked by the General Assembly of the Synod.

SummitNationElected
Winter Solstice 385YEVarushkaVesna Borkovna Prochnost
Spring Equinox 380YEThe LeagueLisabetta Giacomi von Holberg

Recent Elections

This title is currently held by Vesna Borkovna Prochnost. This title has tenure, the occupant may hold the title until it is revoked, they die or they relinquish the position. The table to the right shows the citizens who have been elected to hold this title in the years since Empress Britta died.

Further Reading

Core Brief

Additional Information