The Brezian Empire

The Brezian Empire has endured for roughly 1,500 years since its founding in 461 , and over time, its hierarchy and structure has grown and developed into something rather unrecognisable when compared to the divided rebellion from which it was born.  

Imperator

None are alive who remember what the immortal Imperator of the Brezi was called in his mortal life, his name stricken from all historical texts, census data and Elekati slave manifests shortly after his Ascension to his current form. This ancient Brezi, forever interred in his medical sarcophagus, was one of several rebel leaders during his people's revolt against the Elekati Imperii in the 5th century - the one responsible for its numerous conflicting factions pulling together for a crucial window of history and marching them to victory against their old oppressors, before his Ascension rendered him incapable of enforcing the manifesto on which the Brezi's new order would be founded.   For one-and-a-half millennia, the Imperator has slept, tended to by the finest medical, technological, and spiritual minds in the Brezi Imperii. In his absence, others attempt to interpret and enact his will - but it is etched into stone that one day, he will rise again; and when he does, all matters of state will be his to oversee.  

Interim Ecclesia

Roughly translating to "The Interim Holy Assembly", this most sacred chamber serves as a governing senate for the Brezian Empire, comprised of the leaders of its 39 Ordines Monastici (Monastic Orders). Founded after the Imperator's Ascension, the Ecclesia serves as a temporary governing body for the Empire and its subjects, with each member voting on any matters of state that are brought before the assembly, representing their Ordo Monasticus in all imperial affairs. Leaders of each order are selected internally, with each having their own process for doing so. Some of these methods include an election within the order itself, a successor being chosen by the current leader, and even an archaic inheritance system, where the current leader's progeny take up the mantle after their passing.   While the specific Interim Pontifices of the Ecclesia are not elected by the public, their role within this chamber is determined by the citizens of the Empire. Once every 20 , a vote is held throughout the Imperii's territories, with every subject aged 20 and over may vote on the new arrangement of the Ecclesia. Ballots look rather unique in the Empire - a list of the sixteen government departments within the Assembly, alongside the name of any Pontifex who has put themselves forward for that specific position. It was previously permitted for a Pontifex to stand for election to lead several different departments, until the Pontifex of the Gladii Clara was voted into three separate positions in 565 , and the resulting turmoil prompted more restrictive reform to the electoral system.   Voters populate each entry with the name of the Pontifex they deem most suitable to lead that facet of the Empire's government, with responsibility given to the individual with the most votes for that specific title. Pontifices voted into such positions are referred to en masse as Auctoritates Agens - or "Acting Authorities", emphasising the temporary nature of all leaders within the Imperii until such time as the Imperator rises again. Each job is also granted a specific honorific, for ease of identification.   Pontifices who are not voted into any position as an Agens Auctoritati have no specific responsibilities when it comes to the day-to-day running of the Empire, but still possess a vote on all proposals brought before the Ecclesia by those who were, granting them a not-insignificant measure of power. However, a Pontifex failing to secure any such responsibility for their Ordo is sometimes seen as grounds for a vote of no confidence within their own ranks - if such a practice is upheld there - and it is not uncommon to see the leaders of several orders be replaced within a few years of losing an election.   The specific governmental departments of the Interim Ecclesia are as follows:  

Aerarium (The Treasury): The chamber responsible for the implementation of the Ecclesia's financial and economic policy, as well as the management of the Empire's budget and the distribution of credits throughout the other chambers. Their Agens Auctoritati holds the title of Magister Nummorum, or "Master of Coin" - an archaic term from the days where physical currency was still widely used.

Cubicularius (The Chamber of Shields): The heads of the Brezian Empire's military, responsible for the defence of both it and its interests, as well as the day-to-day running of their nation's armed forces. While the Empire's military is comprised of its Ordines Monastici, the order sitting in this chamber are considered its prime authority in wartime, allowing its leader to issue strategic orders to their peers under the title of Primum Gladium, or "First Sword".

Cubiculum Adscensio (The Chamber of Progress): Heads of the Empire's scientific community, responsible for the research and implementation of new technology. Their Agens Auctoritati holds the title of Magister Innovationis, or "Master of Innovation".

Cubiculum Aedificationis (The Chamber of Edification): The chamber responsible for the safety, wellbeing and education of the Empire's children, tasked with implementing any state policy regarding the Imperii's youngest citizens and setting the curriculum and regulations for its schools. Their Agens Auctoritati holds the title of Custos Solis, or "Guardian of the Rising Sun".

Cubiculum Arbitrium (The Chamber of Arbitration): This chamber is responsible for maintaining the rights and liberties of the Empire's citizens, as well as the implementation and enforcement of all civil law. They are led by the Summus Medius, or "Supreme Mediator" - the highest authority on all legal matters that would not fall under the purview of the Cubiculum Iustitia.

Cubiculum Commercii (The Chamber of Commerce): The chamber responsible for all trade conducted within the Brezian Empire, who work to stimulate the Empire's economy and keep it growing, as well as promote Brezian businesses on the galactic stage to bring as many credits as possible into their borders. Their Agens Auctoritati holds the title of Magister Fori, or "Master of the Market".

Cubiculum Communitatis (The Chamber of Community): This chamber is responsible for housing within the Empire, as well as liaising with the various planetary governments who manage local affairs on Brezian worlds. They also oversee resettlement programmes and the expansion of the Imperii's borders via the claiming and colonisation of new systems, in cooperation with the Cubiculum Onerariis. Their leader holds the title of Magister Concordia, or "Master of Harmony".

Cubiculum Culturae (The Chamber of Culture): Led by the Magister Illuminationis or "Master of Enlightenment", this is the chamber holding responsibility for the promotion of Brezian culture and art - both within the Empire and on the galactic stage. They also control the Empire's media industry, managing news outlets, broadcasting stations, and even a number of film studios and theatres. This chamber is also responsible for the promotion of sport within the Brezian Empire, and, if their civilisation is randomly selected, will be saddled with organising and hosting The Decennial - a galaxy-wide sporting event held once every ten years since 1,000 - as they have seventeen times before.

Cubiculum Diplomatum (The Chamber of Diplomacy): The chamber responsible for all foreign policy and negotiation with civilisations beyond the borders of the Empire. Their leader holds the title of Summus Legatus, or "Supreme Ambassador", and is also responsible for holding the Brezian Empire's seat in the Serene Conclave as their Councillor.

Cubiculum Divini (The Chamber of the Divine): The authority on all things magical within the Empire, responsible for funding research into the Divine Resonance of the Imperator and his worlds. This chamber works closely with the Cubiculum Aedificationis to oversee the education of any children found to exhibit natural magical talent. All laws regarding the use of magic in the Empire are first drafted by this chamber. Their Agens Auctoritati holds the title of Magister Lucis, or "Master of Light".

Cubiculum Domus (The Chamber of the Home): The leading authority on all matters of imperial domestic safety. Their responsibilities cover immigration policy, emergency services and state security. This chamber is headed by the Bastion, whose Ordo becomes the Empire's de facto intelligence agency.

Cubiculum Iustitia (The Chamber of Justice): Heads of the Brezian Empire's criminal courts, with its Agens Auctoritati holding the title of Summus Iudex, or "Supreme Judge", presiding personally over the most prominent criminal proceedings - such as trials for High Treason. This chamber also liaises frequently with the Empire's law enforcement, working with them to develop the Empire's criminal law policy.

Cubiculum Laboris (The Chamber of Labour): This chamber oversees the Empire's workforce, ensuring robust legislation is in place to keep workers well-supported while ensuring productivity is maintained throughout their systems. They administer financial assistance to those in-need throughout the Imperii, such as the Gladius Decimae (Sword Tithe) granted to soldiers left unable to work due to injuries sustained in service to the Imperator. They are headed by the Catena Ruptor, or "Chain Breaker" whose title is a constant reminder of the Brezi's origins, and the sacred duty they owe to those whose labour keeps the Empire thriving.

Cubiculum Messis (The Chamber of the Harvest): The chamber responsible for food production and standards, as well as agriculture. They also hold responsibility for ensuring imperial worlds retain a sustainable environment, allowing for indefinite habitation and resource production. Their Agens Auctoritati holds the title of Messorem, or "Reaper" - a misleadingly morbid honorific that has been the butt of many jokes over the centuries.

Cubiculum Onerariis (The Chamber of Transportation): This chamber is responsible for the Empire's public transport networks, connecting all corners of their civilisation with tramways, in-atmosphere flightcrafts and shuttle fleets. They are also the chamber that oversees the construction of Bahli Ring Gates within the Empire's borders, as well as the management and connection of any newly-discovered original Ring Gates. They are headed by the Magister Pontium, or "Master of Bridges".

Cubiculum Sanitas (The Chamber of Health): The chamber responsible for all matters of healthcare throughout the Empire. This includes liaising with private healthcare providers doing business within the Imperii, ensuring they adhere to any regulations put forward by the Ecclesia and holding them to account when they fail to do so. Their Agens Auctoritati holds the title of Magister Cura, or "Master of Care".

 

Manus Mundi

Translating to "Hand of the World", these titles are exclusively held by members of the Ordines Monastici, selected for these positions as per each order's individual traditions and methods. As explained above, this involves everything from an election within the ranks of the order to a hereditary position - most often granted to the current leader's family members to groom them for command.   A Manus Mundi is given stewardship over a single planet within their order's remit, responsible for all local affairs on its surface and in its orbit. These people are also considered military leaders in times of war, granted de facto rulership over their planet's army and navy - should such a thing exist.   Individuals in this position often sit at the head of a planetary council, comprised of experts in their respective fields who advise the Manus on matters of state. The members of this council are not elected, instead chosen by the Manus when they take office.   As of 1970 , the Brezian Empire has TBCTBCTBCTBCTBC Manus Mundi - one for each occupied world within their borders, excluding the homeworld of Lux, which sits under the influence of the Interim Ecclesia.  

Ordines Monastici

Roughly translating to "Monastic Orders", these 39 factions within the Brezian Empire comprise the entirety of its government and state services - from soldiers to priests, from administrative workers to firefighters. Each is an entity unto itself, with its own traditions, rules and sub-cultures, as well as their own ideological creeds - but the one thing that unites them all is service to the Imperator and the Brezian Empire.   Most Ordines have centuries of history - both in general and with each other - and tensions between them are just as common as active cooperation, each believing themselves to be the purest interpretation of the will of the Imperator. The interwoven politics between these sects can be quite difficult for anyone outside of them to follow - especially so for any visiting foreigners.

Influenced heavily by their divine Emperor's manifesto, the culture of the Brezi Imperii is based almost entirely around the notion of realising their Imperator's vision as truthfully as possible, and ensuring that the Brezi themselves prosper in their independence. This motif is present in every aspect of their custom and general outlook on life in the galaxy, emphasising community spirit and camaraderie between all Brezi. Selflessness and personal honour are incredibly valuable to the citizens of the Empire, and if one has the capacity to help those in-need, it is considered a moral obligation to do so. Those who merely stand by as another suffers, flee from responsibility, or hoard wealth unnecessarily are seen in the harshest possible light by any who respect the Imperator's values.   Service to the Empire is both an honour and a necessity to any Brezian citizen, and those within the Empire are expected to spend the prime of their life covering themselves in glory as they enact the Imperator's will with all the strength they can muster. As such, Brezi over two centuries old - in the second half of their life - are considered inherently worthy of respect and reverence, as it is assumed they have given their all for the sake of the Empire and lived long enough to enjoy their reward - living out the next two-hundred years in the peace and prosperity they have helped to protect, or taking their rightful place amongst the upper echelons of society.   Individual Brezi are naturally expected to grow strong and capable in their respective fields - the best possible version of themselves, as the Imperator deserves nothing less of his loyal subjects. All citizens of the Empire - from the highest-born scion to the poorest street urchin - are subject to mandatory military service in their home planet's respective Ordo Monasticus, serving within it for a total of 20 , in whatever position their leadership deems suitable; be it as a soldier, a pilot, or even an accountant or hydroponics engineer. For the duration of this service, the citizen cannot rise through the ranks of the order, holding the same position in the chain of command. At the end of this tour of duty, they are either released from their service, free to do as they like, or - if they have displayed potential - given a choice between walking their own path or taking a permanent position within the order, becoming eligible for promotions to a leadership position.   Family is another important factor in the culture of the Empire, considered sacred. Caring for children and other loved ones is seen as equally worthy of respect as rising through the ranks of its military. This is perhaps best reflected in the Imperii's "Love Laws" (covered below) and its tax exemptions granted to any parents of at least three children. The Imperii must continue to grow if it is to remain powerful, and children are integral to the future - and by extension, the vision of the Imperator.   The final pillar of the Brezian Empire's culture is that of liberty. Within their borders and wherever else their influence can reach, no sentient being will ever be placed in chains again. Slavery is highly illegal in the Imperii, carrying harsher punishment than anywhere else in the galaxy, and one's basic necessities are considered a god-given right - not a commodity to be haggled over. Every imperial citizen has the right to clean, running water, two meals a day, access to electricity and the WEB, a universal basic income, and a home to call their own. Landlords are a non-existent class in the Imperii, and it is illegal to own more than one home on a single planet or to privately rent-out any housing you possess.

The Brezi's past is a dark one indeed, illuminated for the first time in over a thousand years by their victory over their former masters - the Elekati - and the Ascension of their Imperator. As such, the empire that grew from the fruits of this man's labour has formed its defining principles around an ancient text referred to as Imperatoris Manifesto - or "The Emperor's Manifesto"; an incomplete work, setting out the Imperator's vision for the future of the Brezi people. As he can no longer be consulted on the meanings of certain passages, the Brezian Empire has done its best to interpret his will until such time as he rises again and finally, perfectly brings his dream to life.

The Brezi had much of their early space age technology provided to them by the Vi'dam, owing to a lack of certain inventions such as firearms and in-system travel drives. However, this was quite some time ago, and nowadays, the Brezian Empire are at an average technological level when compared to the rest of the galaxy. Little technological advancement is accomplished by the Brezi themselves, however, whose primary focus is the energy signature of their world, their sun, and a number of their occupied systems. Over the centuries, the Brezi have made great strides in their ability to harness the resonance colloquially known as "magic", believing their particular brand of it to be a sacred gift from their Emperor.

The Brezian Empire's state religion is that of The Imperator's Will - the church and simultaneous government which attempts to realise the future set out by their divine Imperator in his unfinished manifesto. This organisation holds power not just over the spiritual aspect of the Imperii, but also its laws and political structure, cementing the empire as a theocratic state.   While a majority of the Imperii's citizens are followers of The Imperator's Will, the state imposes no restrictions on what gods can be worshipped within their borders. The Imperator's Manifesto clearly cites liberty as a vital pillar of the empire, and for those in power to decide to which gods their subjects may grant their faith is a clear and obvious betrayal of his will.

Clan Enosi

The Empire and the largest of the Vándorok flotilla do not interact often, but have an amicable enough relationship. The Enosi are welcomed into Brezian space without challenge - though they are frequently escorted by a fleet or two for the duration of their stay - and have even been known to trade with the Imperii on occasion. However, the Interim Ecclesia have never hired the flotilla - either as mercenaries or for any work - preferring to keep such things "in-house".  

The Eduskunta

The ruling parliament of the Ösös and its Ascended Prime Minister Mäin Kol operate on one value deemed sacreligious by the Interim Ecclesia - namely, an entrenched matriarchal society in which men are considered unsuitable for positions of leadership and influence. Furthermore, Mäin Kol herself has made several statements over the years condemning the notion of male Ascended, referring to them as failed experiments and citing the reduced side effects of Ascension on a female as supporting evidence for this viewpoint. Despite this intense ideological disagreement, the Brezian Empire and the Eduskunta have a workable diplomatic relationship, trading frequently and allowing open immigration between their two nations as per Serenity's laws - most commonly exchanging Brezi women and Ösösi men.  

The Empire of Elekat

While approximately 1,500 have passed since the Brezi's emancipation from their former masters, there still exists plenty of animosity between these two nations. The leaders of the Elekati Imperii still mourn the loss of their ancestral homeworld, vowing to take it back by force in due time. As such, these two powers have been stuck in a cold war for the past 1,500 - one which has gone hot on occasion, but always ended with the Elekati getting pushed back to their side of the border with Serenity Space. An increasing number of voices in the Interim Ecclesia have called for the Brezian Empire to launch an invasion of the Elekati Imperii, taking this territory for themselves and subjugating the people, or simply securing the systems and wiping out their ancient enemy once and for all. However, no such move can be done without the unanimous assent of the Serene Conclave - Serenity's ruling council - who are entirely unwilling to plunge all of Serenity Space into a war from which only the Brezi would benefit.  

The E̊ynawdiṇo

Despite their ideological differences, the Brezian Empire enjoys a healthy trade relationship with the government of Sunlit space, and simply agree not to discuss the topic of religion when in each other's presence. One point of contention, however, is in the disproportionate number of Auditori - considered criminally insane by the Imperii - who flee to Sunlit space to find their fortune, using their "gifts" as freely as they can within the bounds of The Rulers' comparatively lax laws. The Interim Ecclesia have been attempting to negotiate an extradition deal with the E̊ynawdiṇo for several decades, now, which would require them to flag and arrest any Auditori they discover, before deporting them back to the Empire. The Sunlit have thus far refused this proposition, condemning it as an unconscionable assault on the freedoms of its citizens.  

The Terminus Conglomerate

Relations between the stratocratic government of Ferven and the Brezi Imperii are rather tense, at-present. The Second Councillor of the Serene Conclave - the representative for the Brezi on the galactic stage - has been the most outspoken voice against granting humanity permission to begin expanding into any neighbouring systems, despite the nation's ever-worsening overpopulation crisis and scarcity of resources. The Interim Ecclesia and their Councillor claim that the Terminus Conglomerate is a highly militaristic, desperate nation - one that will spread like wildfire across the galaxy the moment they're given leave to expand into other systems. Secretly, Brezian intelligence services have been funding insurrection groups within the Ferven system, hoping that their current authoritarian government can be supplanted and replaced with something more palatable before Serenity is left with no choice but to open the floodgates.  

The Vaila Glas

The governing body for the Vi'dam has a long-standing friendship with the Brezian Empire, dating back to before the Empire itself even existed. The Interim Ecclesia generally have not forgotten the role the Vi'dam played in the liberation of their people from the Elekati, and the two nations have stood shoulder-to-shoulder in every conflict or catastrophe that has happened since. The bonds between the Empire and their ancient neighbour are virtually unbreakable, forging what may be the strongest alliance between any two nations in Ciraculum.

As a Serenity member state, the Brezian Empire enforces every one of the Serene Conclave's standardised laws, which cover the majority of criminal offences and their respective punishments. There are a few situations, however, where Brezian law differs from that of Serenity - a luxury granted to them by the autonomy they enjoy as a council state.  

Anti-Slavery Laws

Within the Brezian Empire the worst possible crime one can commit is unjustly robbing another of their freedom. Within the bounds of the Imperii, participation in the slave trade is punished by death - most commonly by beheading. This punishment applies regardless of whether the guilty party bought and owned slaves, sold to a slaver, or acquired unpaid labourers some other way. Furthermore, failure to report an individual engaging in slavery carries a prison sentence of 50% . The Brezi despise not only those who actively clapped chains on their people, but those who stood by and did nothing; neither of which have a place in the Imperator's new order. To avoid diplomatic incidents, visiting foreigners found guilty of any of these crimes are deported back to their home system, to face trial. If a foreigner fails to report an act of slavery, they are instead deported and blacklisted in imperial records, never again allowed to enter Brezian space.  

Housing Laws

Landlords are a foreign concept to the Brezi Imperii, and the notion of withholding shelter only to ransom it back to another person is utterly abhorrent. Under Brezian law, it is illegal to own more than one home on a single planet or station. It is also illegal to rent out housing to another person. Both of these crimes carry a prison sentence of 2% .  

"Love Laws"

Loyalty to your spouse is considered the most important thing. If your wife goes on trial for a murder, most folk will wonder why you’re not there with her. As such, laws have been passed to grant amnesty to those fulfilling their marital duties. For example, if a woman’s husband helped her hide the body, Brezian laws claim he cannot be prosecuted for it - provided he had no part in the murder itself.

The empire's capital planet of Lux is a sunny, vibrant paradise, lending itself well to farming wherever the Brezi's cities haven't sprung up.

Under the laws of the Interim Ecclesia, every citizen of the empire is entitled to free basic education. This covers the fields of literacy, mathematics, theology, history and the sciences. Education is provided to the people by the Monastic Orders, with each holding responsibility for the systems and planets under their influence. Along with each of these mandatory subjects, each Ordo Monasticus tends to teach two or three additional subjects free of charge, in which they are known to specialise.   Higher education - or branching out into additional subjects not on the mandatory syllabus - is available to all, but must be paid for by the student, their family, or some other benefactor. While the fees are far from extortionate, they do leave the poorest of the Imperii unable to broaden their horizons.   Basic education for the Brezi begins at the age of 3 and continues until their graduation at 20 years old. However, Brezi with the desire and the means to pay for higher education may progress to the next stage of their learning within their Order. Typically, higher education in a single subject lasts from 5-10 years, depending on the level of qualification achieved.