Imperial Chancellor
The Imperial Chancellor is the chief administrative officer of the Empire, second only to the Emperor in authority over imperial governance. While the Emperor reigns as a divine symbol and political force, it is the Chancellor who ensures the machinery of empire continues to function—smoothly, lawfully, and in accordance with the Charter of Imperial Privilege.
Rank and Authority:
- Ranks above all non-royal offices in secular authority.
- Often called the "Shadow Throne" due to their immense bureaucratic influence.
- Can issue Imperial Proclamations in the Emperor’s name—provided they do not contradict imperial law or council edicts.
Appointment
Appointed by the Emperor
- Typically chosen from:
- Elder statesmen or renowned legal scholars.
- Younger scions of major Houses seeking imperial favor.
- Occasionally from the Church or Free Imperial Cities, as a signal of balance.
- Serves at the Emperor’s pleasure, but tradition discourages frequent replacements, as continuity is prized.
Duties
- Presides over day-to-day governance of the Empire’s central bureaucracy.
- Drafts, issues, and archives imperial decrees and policy edicts.
- Oversees the Imperial Civil Service, including scribes, magistrates, and tax assessors.
- Convenes and records sessions of the Sunfire Council as the Council's secretary and legal witness.
- Holds the Imperial Seal, granting legitimacy to official documents.
- Manages relations between the Emperor and the Elector Houses, smoothing disputes and enforcing council resolutions.
History
- During regencies or interregnums, the Chancellor may serve as Imperial Steward, temporarily overseeing imperial administration.
- Some Chancellors have quietly wielded more real power than the Emperor—especially under weak, young, or overly devout rulers.
Creation
The Chancellor’s office was created with the First Charter, to balance imperial will with legal continuity.
Form of Address
His/Her Highness
Source of Authority
Emperor
Reports directly to
Related Organizations
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