Custodial Empire
To defy the Custodial Empire is to stand against the stability of the continent that will bring prosperity. Although many have stood against the Custodial Empire, most have found it easier to surrender to end the torment of war. This has been the way since their founding were Marcus Licinius Cerularius proclaimed that he would unify the continent of Centarium and bring order and stability. Millennia later they still move towards their goal of unification, strengthened by The War for Midranor that their belief is correct.
From the common Custodites to the Barons and Dukes, lineage is crucial to the opportunities you have in life. Climbing the noble hierarchy is difficult for those on the bottom as they have far fewer choices in their early life and even if they accomplish something it might not be seen or attributed to them. For those in the noble hierarchy, their children gain their noble status as there is a strong belief that greatness flows through bloodlines and as such their children will do great things. There are few nobles that lose their status as later generation are not required to achieve something as great as their ancestors did for that noble title.
Structure
Emperor
At the top of the Custodial Empire sits the emperor, holding absolute power throughout the empire. Their word is the law and nobody has the authority to go against or question their word. The position is granted through the bloodline of the emperor who is expected to have many children who compete for the throne. During the final years of the emperors lifetime and after their passing, the children often wage war against each other until only one remain or there is none that can challenge their ascension. Although the current emperor can choose the next, a tradition has grown out from the noble ranks where their support is crucial for stable rule and gathering their aid is part of ascension.
Archduke/Archduchess
At the top of nobility lies the archduke/archduchess who are the direct confidants of the emperor, serving them as their right hand. Their authority outside of the imperial palace is equal to that of other dukes/duchesses but having the kings ear have always lead to a greater position within the Custodial Empire. Their rights within the imperial palace includes among other things to enter the inner courtyards where the imperial family lives. The position of archduke/archduchess is a fleeting which changes with the emperor's favour and is often handed over to the new emperor's greatest supporter during their ascension.
Dukes/Duchesses
The number of dukes/duchesses have always been limited to the number of cities in the Custodial Empire as they have authority of taxation and management of the city. In addition to this there are no restriction to what businesses they can operate such as mines and personal armies. They can also declare their cities at war are exercise great power over lower nobility.
Marquis/Marchioness
Count/Countess
Baron/Baroness
Culture
The Custodial Empire's motto, For the stability of the continent, have for a long time been twisted and taken advantage of by many in power, using it to justify whatever actions they take. There is a massive rift between those in the noble hierarchy and those that are mere citizen. Greatness Breeds Greatness is a common phrase among the nobility used to look down upon others and has lead to noble families only marrying other noble families as otherwise their bloodline could be tainted. Once you are in the nobility you no longer need to fight to be seen but can instead spend your time among the rest of high society. Enjoying fancy dinners or going to balls to socialise, show of your children and arrange for marriages. While the privileges of Barons are minor, there is a great social chasm that exists between them and commoners.
Public Agenda
For the stability of the continent, the first emperor Marcus Licinius Cerularius proclaimed that he would unite the continent under a single empire with the goal of improving the lives and well being of all people. The modern Custodial Empire still claims that it is upholding those ideals but the original founding documents, plans and ideas on how to implement a great nation lie in display cases in the imperial library never watched b more than the servants that make sure they are spotless. The stability of the continent has in reality in many ways turned into the stability of the noble class, making sure they are able to keep their power.
For the stability of the continent
Close alliance
The Eyes of Dawn have for a long time aided in upholding the law and creating order in the Custodial Empire during times of war. If not for their interventions and structures organisation the Custodial Empire would have had far more difficulties in controlling their territories. In modern time the relationship has deteriorated due to the excessive greed of the nobility that push the limits of the law and operate around it while they get annoyed that the Eyes of Dawn don't just focus on the commoners.
Friendly
Due to threats of spellcaster changing the social dynamics of the Custodial Empire, magic was in many ways outlawed for non-nobility and special accords where written with the Arcane Collective to help manege it. There is still a large amount of fear and caution from the Custodial Empire as the Arcance Collective hold a large amount of power within the empire.
War
Although the Custodial Empire and the Arktalith Family are technically at war, there are few confrontations as the Custodial Empire does not want to expend resources to chase the Arktalith Family into the underdark to destroy them and the Arktalith Family shakes hands with many of the corrupt members of the Custodial Empire's nobility to make a profit. The fracture within the Custodial Empire is perfect for the Arktalith Family to enjoy and make profit from.
