The Closed Council

[The Holy Orenian Empire 280]

 

THE CLOSED COUNCIL

(1620)

Emperor John III Owyn convenes his first cabinet, the newly branded Closed Council, on the day of his accession, 18th of the Deep Cold, 1568.

 

The Imperial Closed Council is an administrative and advisory body of the highest authority within the Empire -- apart from the Emperor himself, from whom they derive power -- managing the realm’s day-to-day affairs. The Council consists of a company of decidedly capable advisors and private counselors appointed by their sovereign, each of whom hold direct authority over their respective and particular aspects of Imperial governance. Both the designation and rescindment of council positions lies within the sole power of the Emperor, each seat to be held by the citizen most qualified who has exhibited an unequivocal commitment and diligence to the well-being of the Imperial Orenian state. The council is composed of the Imperator-in-Council, Archchancellor, Seneschal of the Crown, Lord High Constable, Lord State Treasurer, Lord Great Viceroy, High Magistrate, High Chamberlain, Grand Knight, High Admiral, and Lord Privy Seal.

 

 

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REIGNING EMPEROR

r. 1619 - present

The Imperator-in-Council is the premier autocratic authority within the realm from which all council members attain their powers and has the final word on matters of the state. He may choose to create or terminate council seats at will, as well as appoint and dismiss eligible persons to council offices. His word is law.

 

The reigning Emperor is HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY, Peter II Sigismund of the House of Horen, by the Grace of God, Holy Orenian Emperor and rightful Emperor of Aeldin, Forever August, Apostolic King of Oren, of Renatus, Salvus, Seventis, Vandoria, Savoy, Mardon, and the Westerlands, Duke of the Crownlands, Cascadia, Avar, Frederica, Blackmarsh, and Marna, Count of Johannesburg, Alamar, Frederica, Krajia, Thesmer, Thelen, Lorath, and Cantal, Baron of Darkwood and Gravelhold, Defender of the Canonist Faith, Supreme Protector of Mankind, Master of the Lions of Man.

 

 

 

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THE CLOSED COUNCIL OF THE EMPIRE OF OREN

The Closed Council advises and aids the monarch in rule.

 

Archchancellor

The Imperial Archchancellor is marked by the Signet of Saint Wilfriche. He charged to insure its stability and prosperity of the realm as its chief diplomat and minister. He wields penultimate authority in the Empire and is charged to preserve the crown and monarchy by all means possible, including in matters of succession. The powers and duties enumerated below are reserved solely for the sovereign-appointed Archchancellor of Oren:

I. The Duty to ensure the continuing good relations of the Holy Emperor and Empire with the foreign nations of the world.

II. The Power to organize meetings with foreign dignitaries, and to periodically travel to foreign lands in the Holy Emperor’s name, acting as his favored ambassador and negotiator.

III. The Duty to provide a concise quarterly report on the relationships which the Empire maintains with the nations of the world.

IV. The Power to negotiate and establish treaties on behalf of the Holy Empire, as the Emperor’s Peace may demand.

V. The Duty to provide for the welfare of Orenian subjects who should travel abroad, negotiating peacefully with foreign states for their continued safety, and making such incidents known to the Privy Council as should be known.

VI. The Duty and Power to administer the Imperial Embassy Service, appointing such subsidiary officers has may please him, and delegating such limited powers as they should require.

VII. The Power to assume the duties of the Holy Emperor in his absence or incapacitation, meting out the Emperor’s justice in a manner consistent with the Emperor’s peace.

VIII. The Duty to maintain the orderly structure of the Holy Empire of Oren, never innovating on policy but following the example of the Holy Emperor to the best of his ability.

IX.The Power to assume control of the Imperial Household when the Holy Emperor and his chosen proxies are not available.

 

The justly-appointed Imperial Archchancellor is His Excellency, Aeternius of Metterden [seannie].

 

Seneschal of the Crown

The Seneschal of the Crown is marked by the Signet of Saint Daniel. He is charged as the keeper of the crownlands and the capital works, responsible for its civil projects, construction and defense. The powers and duties enumerated below are reserved solely for the sovereign-appointed Seneschal of the Crown of Oren:

I. The Duty to ensure the welfare of the capital and crownlands of the Holy Empire of Oren, and its continued prosperity.

II. The Power to establish regulations and taxes within the borders of his jurisdiction, concordant with the Emperor’s will.

III. The Duty to preserve and expand the infrastructure of the capital and crownlands, and encourage its use as a market and residence.

IV. The Power to order the construction of buildings, roads, and marketplaces as should please the Emperor, with funds disbursed by the Lord State Treasurer.

V. The Duty to ensure that the residents of the capital should maintain their homes and promote commerce.

VI. The Power to designate residences and evict tenants of homes in the capital, and to appoint such subsidiary officers with delegated powers as should befit his duties.

 

The justly-appointed Seneschal of the Crown is His Excellency, Thomas Summerfield [Boiendl].

 

Lord High Constable

The Lord High Constable is marked by the Signet of Saint Charles. He is charged with the protection of the realm from threats both foreign and domestic, responsible for marshaling His Imperial Majesty’s forces in battle as well as ensuring the proper upkeep and training of the Empire’s armies. The powers and duties enumerated below are reserved solely for the sovereign-appointed Lord High Constable of Oren:

I. The Duty to command the armies of Oren in battle, representing the Imperial Crown as its chief-most liaison in martial affairs both near and abroad.

II. The Power to raise or lower the Holy Emperor’s vassals’ levies.

III. The Duty to strategically ensure the proper defense of the Imperial state, the Imperial family, and the Closed Council.

IV.The Power to command the Armies of Oren in battle.

 

Lord State Treasurer

The Lord State Treasurer is marked by the Signet of Saint Tobias. He is charged as master of coin and coffer, responsible for managing the crown’s finances and allocating funding to public works. The powers and duties enumerated below are reserved solely for the sovereign-appointed Lord State Treasurer of Oren:

I. The Duty to manage the crown budget and ensure the upkeep and positive cash flow of the Holy Emperor’s coffers, accounting for Imperial expenditures and revenues faithfully.

II. The Power to establish such reasonable feudal taxes from His Imperial Majesty’s vassals as should be necessary to maintain the financial solvency of the Holy Empire of Oren.

III. The Duty to allocate wealth to fund any Crown projects and bounties willed by the Holy Emperor.

IV. The Power to charter and helm Imperial Trade companies to regulate fiscal policy and bolster commerce in the Empire.

 

Lord Great Viceroy

The Lord Great Viceroy is marked by the Signet of Saint Thomas. He is charged to oversee and insure the fealty of the Imperial provinces and overseas territories. The powers and duties enumerated below are reserved solely for the sovereign-appointed Lord Great Viceroy of Oren:

I. The Duty to ensure the loyalty and stability of the Empire’s foreign holdings in a manner consistent with the Holy Emperor’s peace.

II. The Power to act as the Holy Emperor’s representative in all foreign holdings, governing their affairs in his name, and assuring the welfare of its subjects.

III. The Duty to act with measured mercy and tolerance, recognizing the strange and foreign cultures and practices which our vast Empire has acquired, while punishing such practices that are harmful to the Empire or her people.

IV. The Power to establish tax and law within foreign vassal states and tributaries, and to retain funds where necessary to provide for their governance.

V. The Duty to sustain the contentedness of foreign subjects and vassals, measuring their welfare against that of the Imperial State, and to never prejudice them to costly and weakening rebellion.

VI. The Power to establish such institution of state as they may be necessary in the Empire’s foreign holdings, creating bureaus, councils, and court of laws for their continued loyalty.

VII. The Duty to inform the Holy Emperor and his Closed Council of the customs of their subjects as so they may better administer them.

VIII. The Power to enforce martial law upon seditious provinces and settlements.

IX. The Duty to rally and drill the foreign legions of the Holy Orenian Empire.

 

The justly-appointed Lord Great Viceroy is His Excellency, Oswald [Donchomirzakhan]

 

High Magistrate

The High Magistrate is marked by the Signet of Saint Lucien. He is charged to update and codify Imperial law and oversee Imperial courts, delivering just judgement to those convicted of capital offences. The powers and duties enumerated below are reserved solely for the sovereign-appointed High Magistrate of Oren:

I. The Duty to ensure The Holy Oren Empire’s law is up-to-date and functions adequately, adhering to the Holy Canon Church on its stance against heresy.

II. The Power to uphold and execute The Holy Oren Empire’s law through trial and court.

III. The Power to trial nobility of The Holy Oren Empire, on the basis of treason, treachery, and heresy, with His Imperial Majesty’s approval.

 

The justly-appointed High Magistrate is His Excellency, Thomas of the House of Staunton-Baden [GusanoArentonio].

 

High Chamberlain

The High Chamberlain is marked by the Signet of Saint Godwein. He is charged to act as chief herald and keeper of the Emperor’s court and household, managing the palace as well as its audiences. The powers and duties enumerated below are reserved solely for the sovereign-appointed High Chamberlain of Oren:

I. The Duty to ensure the Holy Emperor’s palace staff are obedient and of sound behavior.

II. The Power to staff the Imperial Household as he sees fit.

III. The Duty to maintain and preserve the security of the Imperial Palace.

IV. The Power to banish commoners from court and to suspend access from peers of the realm.

V. The Duty to account for all of the Holy Emperor’s guests and courtiers in the Imperial Palace and provide for their adequate lodgings and hospitality.

VI. The Power to judge crime committed in the Holy Emperor’s Imperial Palace and post warrants upon those who commit crime in the palace.

VII. The Duty to uphold courtly etiquette and ensure the same in others.

VIII. The Power to hold jubilee, festivals, and hunts throughout the Crownlands province.

IX. The Duty to keep accurate accounts of the Imperial Palace’s expenditures and traffic.

X. The Power to bear the Imperial Passkey and manage the locks of the Imperial Palace.

 

The justly-appointed High Chamberlain is His Excellency, Pepin of the House of Ashford de Bar [omnipotent_rage].

 

Grand Knight

The Grand Knight is marked by the Signet of Saint Lothar. He is charged to oversee the Order of the Red Dragon and the Imperial Knights, accompanied by any operations pertaining. The powers and duties enumerated below are reserved solely for the sovereign-appointed Grand Knight of Oren:

I. The Duty to maintain all documents in regards to Gentry and Knighthood, along with being present at any and all judicial happenings involving a Knight.

II. The Power to hold judicial control over all Knights of the Empire. It is in the authority of the Grand Knight to revoke title, given the authority of the Holy Emperor, and may confirm or deny potential Sers.

 

The justly-appointed Grand Knight is His Excellency, Edmond Henry Horen-Vimmark [TauFirewarrior].

 

High Admiral

The High Admiral is marked by the Signet of St. Edmond. He is charged to oversee the Imperial navy and its naval operations. The powers and duties enumerated below are reserved solely for the sovereign-appointed High Admiral of Oren:

I. The Duty to ensure that the Holy Emperor’s sea-faring vessels are pristine for sailing in times of both peace and war.

II. The Power to mobilize the Empire’s fleets in time of peace and/or warfare.

III. The Duty to mobilize and prepare the Empire’s fleets for war.

 

The justly-appointed High Admiral is His Excellency, Callan of the House of Gromach [Dewper].

 

Lord Privy Seal

The Lord Privy Seal is marked by the Signet of Saint Adrian. He is charged to keep the monarch’s wax seal and draft his legislation. The Seal’s powers and duties enumerated below are reserved solely for the sovereign-appointed Lord Privy Seal of Oren:

I. The Duty to protect and administer the Holy Emperor’s privy seal.

II. The Power to construct a body of scholars to assist in the publication of materials in the Crown’s interest.

III. The Duty to maintain the traditions and culture of Oren through the scrivening of Imperial and conciliar decrees, as well as publication of cultural materials and chronicles of Imperial history.

 

The justly-appointed Lord Privy Seal is His Excellency, Gawain ap Viktor [___Jacko_].

 

 

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IN NOMINE DEI,

SIGNED RESPECTFULLY,

 

HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY, Peter II Sigismund of the House of Horen, by the Grace of God, Holy Orenian Emperor and rightful Emperor of Aeldin, Forever August, Apostolic King of Oren, of Renatus, Salvus, Seventis, Vandoria, Savoy, Mardon, and the Westerlands, Duke of the Crownlands, Cascadia, Avar, Frederica, Blackmarsh, and Marna, Count of Johannesburg, Alamar, Frederica, Krajia, Thesmer, Thelen, Lorath, and Cantal, Baron of Darkwood and Gravelhold, Defender of the Canonist Faith, Supreme Protector of Mankind, Master of the Lions of Man.