General

Overview

General is an National title granted by the Senate to any citizen appointed to the command of an Imperial army. There is one general for each Imperial army - a new title is automatically created when a new army is created. Each army is associated with a single nation - a general must be of the same nation as the army they command.

The generals of the Empire are often separated from the sometimes bitter national politics that can divide the Imperial Senate. Despite this, or perhaps because of it, being a successful general is often seen as a valuable stepping stone for a career in the Senate or consideration as a candidate to The Throne.

Powers and functions

Each general position is an national title in the Imperial Military Council.

Command of an army

A general commands a single Imperial army, drawn from volunteers from their nation. Once a general is given their command, they have sole authority to order the army to move or attack as they choose. Traditionally the generals of one nation will cooperate but it is not a requirement and a general is within his right to give orders as they see fit.

Generals do not have control of the logistics of their army, all these matters are handled for them by the civil service. Some generals choose to fight in the field with their army, others prefer to issue orders only, but either way such matters are not handled during the political meetings at Anvil. Experience has shown that all attempts to plan intricate tactics for a vast military campaign that will span the next three months are worse than pointless.

As a result the civil service will not accept any instruction from a general for precise tactical deployments or operations. What is decided at Anvil is where the army will move and where it will fight - over the next three months and nothing more. It is this decision that the general must make when at Anvil.

Military Council Vote

Each general receives a single vote on the Military Council. The Council often makes decisions by rough consensus but it will resort to a simple majority vote with a single vote for each general and full member of the Council if needed.

Adjutant

Each general is permitted to bring an adjutant to the council with them, but only those with a vote on the council can speak unless invited to do so. In practice the rule is rarely enforced unless the tent is crowded or those present are being disruptive. Synod members have the right of witness, but cannot speak unless invited to do so. Although a good adjutant is invaluable, they do not have any formal legal powers, so the position is classed as a ceremonial title.

Adjutants do not receive a vote on the Military Council.

Proxies

A general may appoint a proxy.

Selection of a General

The appointment of a general is made by unanimous vote of the senators of that nation. If the senators cannot agree a unanimous decision, then a procedural vote is triggered in the next Senate session to decide the appointment. An appointed general serves for a year.

Removing a General

A general can be revoked by the General Assembly, the Assembly of the Nine and by the appropriate National Assembly of the Imperial Synod.