Halls of Luria/Proclamation of Giask

Section I: Cultural Identity

The Empire is composed of the Highborn, also known as Nobles. As was written in the Concordia Maiorem ex Luria, “To be Lurian is to love merit, to always strive for that ideal which heralds your hallmark. To love liberty and to enjoy and practice the freedom to speak one’s mind. Absent fear of unjust retribution. To embrace truth and welcome faiths of all kinds into our lives for as long as they do not harm the whole, the Empire.” The Proclamation of Giask serves as its successor, reciprocating many of its key features. The document is a living one, changes being made at will of the Emperor or of the Imperial Council.

A. Imperial Denominators

Highborn

The denomination of any Noble subject of the Empire. Kings of Luria aka Imperial Kings The denomination of all those that hold Lords and Ladies as their direct Vassals and hold a city or stronghold in their personal domain. In practice that means that Realm that formerly acknowledged these individuals as Dukes or Duchesses will now recognize them as Kings and Queens.

Rulers of Lurian Realms

The denominator for the Ruler of a Lurian Realm can be as said Lurian Realm desires it to be for as long as the title does not offend, supersede or otherwise conflict with that of the Suzerain Emperor.

Suzerain Emperor

The denominator for the ruler of the Empire of Luria. As represented in the Greater Halls of Luria and by Reigning title of the Lurian Realm said individual belongs to. All Lurian subject owe this person their fealty and undying loyalty.

Imperial Prince

The chosen heir of the Emperor, though such is not a position with any guaranteed rise to power, though does wield the power to rule with permission of either the Imperial Council or under a period of time under an Emperor. This is not a position that needs filling, and if not, the Vice-Regent will fulfil their responsibilities. There may be multiple Princes.

Imperial Council

The gatherings of all members of government members of the Core Realm, Imperial Kings and any added in addition by the Suzerain Emperor. They wield power by default in his absence and decide the next Emperor in the event he passes.

Imperial Regent

The leader of the Imperial Council. He does act as second in charge and is expected to work with the Imperial Prince to ensure all delegated responsibilities are carried out. While the Imperial Prince can have varying duties, the Vice-Regent has a role set out and is expected to follow and carry out orders in times of an Emperor, and ensure that a new Emperor is quickly elected in the event there is one lacking. In times of vast disarray, he may even declare emergency powers taking on the powers usually granted only to Emperors.

Imperial Archivist

Expected to maintain history throughout the Empire and ensure it is all up to date.

Court Enchanter

One knowledgeable in the field of magic, be it enchanted artefacts or scrolls. The position itself will have only a humble role in the advisory of such uses, but with enough intrigue, perhaps they could find themselves in the Imperial Council.

Master of Ceremonies

Responsible for hosting many of the ceremonies of the calendar across the year. They are expected to at least delegate responsibilities for individual events if they are unable to host.

Master of the Hunt

A victor of the Annual Hunt and responsible for hosting it in future years.

Summa Legatus Generalis

Supreme General of the Empire. Takes lead of any Imperial wars by default but only to those who have proven their worth. They will also act, with permission, as the personal warrior of the Emperor, in case of duels.

B. Tenets of Lurian Culture

Plurality of Faith All faiths not harmful to the Empire are welcome within its borders. Liberty of Speech All of the Highborn may speak their mind freely and without persecution lest they do not cause insurrection, rebellion or constitute crime. This is not a defence to the ill-mannered, though it does exist to protect unpopular opinions. Meritocratic Society All of the Highborn are valued for their individual qualities. Each of them can attain those ranks and position as they merit by virtue of their proven ability.

C. Cultural History

In the words of venerated Lurians: Luria Nova/Culture Luria Nova/History of the Monarchs of Luria Nova “To this line of Monarchs we shall continue to add and expand our already storied history. The Lurians are a cultural group that welcome others. To prove themselves and to show that they posses both quality and virtue. Through the display of this and full acceptance of our creed they too can become Highborn of Luria. The Imperial Throne embodied the pinnacle of Political and Cultural career. The seat that serves and reigns wise and just. All power stems from the Imperial Throne and all serve at its pleasure. The Kings and Queens of Luria offer their influence, power and wealth so that the Imperial Throne can reign benevolently. Compassionate Competition go hand in hand with recognition of talent and given opportunity to enrich the Empire through word, deed and action. For all to struggle and strive for the betterment of Luria.” - Concordia Maiorem ex Luria

Section II: Composition of the Empire

The Empire is a composition of Realms that together form the whole. There are two layers distinguished in this. A Core Realms and a Nova Realm. The latter being a recent addition to the Empire or a newly founded Realm by the Empire, except in notable exceptions.

A. Imperial Realms Status

Lurian Kings must hold a Stronghold or City within their domain to be recognized as such and thus eligible to vote.

Major Realm Realms within the Empire with this status are recognized as integral realms and enjoy seniority over Minor Status Realms. They enjoy higher voting power.

Votes: 2 - King 4 - Lurian Ruler

Minor Realms Realms within the Empire with this status are recognized as junior. As such they enjoy lower voting power.

Votes: 1 - King 2 - Lurian Ruler

Section III: Imperial Succession

It has been rooted deeply in Lurian tradition that Monarchs, Rulers of Realms and Emperors serve their ability and have abdicated their Throne when they feel that they no longer do justice to the trust placed in them. It is a gesture expected of all of those that serve in positions of power. Life is turbulent and health is not always pristine. By stepping aside the fire of Luria is never dimmed for long as others add their virtue to that of virtues past.

A. Candidature

When the Imperial Throne is vacant a vote is called to elect a new Emperor from among the servants of the Empire. All reigning Kings, Queen and Rulers of Lurian Realms may present themselves as potential candidates. Nobles of lesser standing are not permitted to offer themselves as candidates.

B. The Imperial Vote

1 - Consensus has to be reached on whom the candidates for the position of Suzerain Emperor are. Consensus is reached by confirming all potential candidates are viable under the criteria that they are either a reigning Lurian King, Queen or the Ruler of a Lurian Realm within the Empire. Additionally, anybody may stand for Emperor with the support of an entire Major Realm’s support, given from its Monarchs and Ruler.

2 - All the Candidates will present themselves within the Halls of Luria and make their case for the Imperial Throne to all full members of the Great Halls of Luria.

3 - When all the Candidates are confirmed. By no other candidates stepping forwards and the collective Elder section of the Great Halls of Luria coming to agreement, the official vote begins. This shall be a period of one week, seven days, from the moment the Vote is officially announced with all Candidates confirmed. This means that all candidates are first confirmed and then the Voting period is announced.

4 - The Imperial Vote is won when a single candidate gains Majority vote at the end of the seven day period. This implies that until the full course of days has passed no winner can be announced yet.

5 - The former Suzerain Emperor will, before stepping down if that is his or her will, change their Realm’s Ruler title away from ‘Suzerain Emperor.

6 - The former Suzerain Emperor will promote the winner of the Imperial Vote to the rank of Suzerain Emperor within the Great Halls of Luria. After which he or she will step down from the rank him or herself.

This concludes the Imperial Vote and the reign of a new Emperor ensues. The above may face slight changes suggested by the Vice-Regent and approved by the Imperial Council. If unanimously elected, the Emperor will enjoy only one additional perk, in that if he loses his seat of power, a duchy or a rulership, he may hold onto his Emperor status and either choose to abdicate, or take on a lesser role in the politically external community (e.g other realms) and much more an advisory role until he meets these criteria. Alternatively, the Realm Rulers may choose to grant him full powers inside their respective realms.

Section IV: Diplomacy

The Diplomacy of the Empire is foremost conducted by the Suzerain Emperor. Assisted by a cadre of Ambassadors, Emissaries, Envoys and other officials.

A. Imperial Diplomacy

The Imperial stance is the official diplomatic stance represented by the Empire. This is defined by several key differences however. The following Decrees should be taken into consideration.

Imperial Declaration of War Can be issued by the Emperor and requires all Lurian Realms to answers the call to arms and fight under the Imperial Banner.

Pax Luria Can be called by the Emperor and requires all Lurian Realms to cease hostilities towards the recipient Realm or entity.

Imperial Persona Non Grata Can be decreed by the Emperor and requires all Lurian Realms to shun the individual that is the recipient of the decree in full and complete totality.

It is the Duty of the Suzerain Emperor to settle disputes between the Lurian Realms should they arise. Rulings are absolute and enforceable by the full extent of Imperial Might.

B. Core and Nova Realm Diplomacy

All Core and Nova Realms of the Empire are free to pursue their diplomacy independently from the Imperial Stance. This means that The Empire as a whole may have an official peaceful stance towards a Realm but a Lurian Realm may indeed war said Realm or adopt any other form of diplomatic stance. It should be pointed out that any diplomacy that runs counter to Imperial Decrees will not be tolerated and could be enforced with the full might of the Imperial Throne.

C. Inter Empire Diplomacy

Federations are prohibited The Empire will be absent the machinations of Federation. No Lurian Realm will be Federated to another Lurian Realm or any foreign Realm for that matter. It is forbidden expressly.

All Lurian Realms may, during a time of Imperial Peace, execute wars within the Empire itself. Imperial Peace is a state where the Suzerain Emperor has declared no Imperial Wars for at least a full year. A year being a passing of the four seasons of Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. The following Spring would be the earliest at which a Lurian Realm is permitted to war another Lurian Realm.

In the event that Imperial War is declared all ensuing conflicts within the Empire are to cease immediately and all are to rally under the Imperial Banner and ready themselves for War as a part of the Empire versus its declared enemy.

Lurian Realms may expand their own Realm at the expense of other Lurian Realms under the condition that both of the Realms remain viable. Viable meaning able to field an army and be reasonably able wage their own wars.

Pax Luria can be declared onto a Lurian Realm and all the same powers accompany it.

Section V: Imperial Law

Imperial Law embodies those Laws that govern the Empire and supersede all local Laws in other Lurian Realms.

Plurality of Faith

Liberty of Speech

Lurian Realms are free to dictate their own justice upon their own subjects as befits their local traditions but may not be found to go counter to the Imperia Laws.

• A notable change in this document is that Rebellion is no longer seen as legitimate by default, though if the realm and Imperial Council agree, then it may be so.

Section VI: Official Institutions of the Empire These Guilds, Orders and other collective groups are seen as important to the well being of the Empire. They provide social fabric, cohesion, idealism and pragmatism where otherwise these fields may deteriorate without proper solidification. Hence these places exist and are maintained.

A. Official Institutions

All Lurians are strongly encouraged to join the following institute. For the betterment of the Empire.

Great Halls of Luria This institute provides communication across the entire Empire and serves as the main channel for all Nobles to keep in touch with one another and is also used for Lurian Diplomacy, Intra and Extra and handles all Lurian affairs.

Grand Pantry of Luria This Institution is charged with handling the financial requirements of the Empire.

The Royal Rangers This Institute serves all of Humanity in its quest to protect it from the foul beasts and undead that would claim this world. A place where lowborn can highborn work together towards this ultimate goal.

B. Recognized Institutions

These Institutions are deemed worthy of recognition.

The Dwilight University A place dedicated to learning in the broadest sense of the word.