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<div style="display:inline-block; float: left; width: 300px; margin-right: 10px;">{{CaptionedImage|file=KelluaItsepainen.jpg|caption=The first Imperial Consul was appointed in Summer 379YE|title= Kellua Itsepainen|align=left|width=300}}</div>
==Overview==
==Overview==
The Imperial Consul is an [[Imperial Title|Imperial title]] appointed by the [[Imperial Senate]]. It was [[Create title of High Consul|created]] by the Senate during the Summer 379YE summit, and sparked considerable controversy leading to [[#History|a clash]] between the senators and the civil service over the recommendations of the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]].
The Imperial Consul is an [[Imperial Title|Imperial title]] appointed by the [[Imperial Senate]]. It was [[Create title of High Consul|created]] by the Senate during the Summer 379YE summit, and sparked [[#Constitution|considerable controversy]] leading to a clash between the senators and the civil service over the recommendations of the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]].
 
In Summer 382YE the Imperial Senate voted to [[Amend_Imperial_Consul|provide a stipend]] to the Imperial Consul. They further amended during the Spring Equinox 383YE to [[Amend_powers_of_Imperial_Consul|make them a member of the Senate]] - again with a [[Amend_powers_of_Imperial_Consul#Campaign_Outcome|certain amount of controversy]].
 
In Winter 383YE the title was further modified when the Senate chose to [[Construct_Imperial_Consulate|construct]] the [[#Imperial Consulate|Imperial Consulate]] in [[Tassato]] following the [[All_the_news_from_Twin_Town#The_Imperial_Consulate|suggestion]] of the Merchant-Prince of the Featherwick Guild, granting additional benefits including briefings on the Empire's diplomatic position, access to merchants from a variety of foreign nations, and equal respect as any regular Ambassador.


==Responsibilities==
==Responsibilities==
The Imperial Consul is expected to liaise with Imperial ambassadors and similar positions and report back to the Senate. The Imperial Constitution is clear that authority for negotiation with foreign powers lies with the appointed [[embassy|ambassador]] - not with the Consul - but the Consul is expected to help keep the Senate abreast of diplomatic developments.
The Imperial Consul is expected to liaise with Imperial [[ambassador|ambassadors]] and similar positions and report back to the Senate. The Imperial Constitution is clear that authority for negotiation with foreign powers lies with the appointed ambassador- the Consul has no legal right to direct the ambassadors in their work - their role is to liaise with the Imperial ambassadors and help keep the Senate abreast of diplomatic developments.


The Imperial Consul is also responsible for handling diplomatic relations with all foreign and barbarian powers where no Imperial title exists with [[authority]] for that power. The [[Imperial Constitution]] grants the power of authority for diplomatic relations to the Imperial Senate - by creating this title, the Senate divests itself of their remaining authority in this area to the Consul.
The Imperial Consul is however responsible for handling diplomatic relations with any foreign and barbarian power with which the Senate has not created a seperate ambassador. The [[Imperial Constitution]] grants the power of authority for diplomatic relations to the Imperial Senate - by creating this title, the Senate divests itself of their remaining authority in this area to the Consul. When dealing with such a nation, their responsibilities are similar to those [[Ambassador#Responsibilities|common]] to an ambassador


==Limitations==
Foreign nations have agendas of their own, and may seek to draw the Empire into their intrigues. The existence of the Imperial Consul does not automatically mean that a foreign nation will engage with them - most nations are disinclined to deal extensively with the Empire while there is no [[embassy]]. The civil service and the [[Imperial_Civil_Service|Secretary to the Diplomatic Corps]] will do their best to appraise such nations of the role of the Imperial Consul.
===Primacy===
===Limitations===
The Constitutional Court issued explicit guidance to make absolutely clear that an ambassador would have primacy in all matters of authority for the nation they dealt with. The Consul has no legal right to direct the ambassadors in their work - their role is to liaise with the Imperial ambassadors and report to the Senate.
The Imperial Consul can only represent the Empire in dealings with foreign or barbarian nations where there is no existing Imperial ambassador with responsibility for doing so. If an embassy for a foreign nation has been completed then the legal powers of the Consul do not cover dealings with representatives of that nation - even if the ambassador is absent or the post has not yet been filled; the existence of such a title is sufficient.


==Powers==
==Powers==
===Authority===
===Right of Address===
The civil service provide support to allow an ambassador to speak on behalf of the Empire when dealing with foreign dignitaries from the relevant nation. Formerly, if there was no ambassador, then authority would lie with the Imperial Senate, but henceforth will lie with the Consul.
The Imperial Consul has the right to make a [[Senate address]] once per summit. This is intended to allow them to present important information for the senators consideration. To make an address, the Consul must inform the [[Speaker for the Senate]] of their intention, so that the Speaker can add the address to the agenda for the next [[Senate session]].
<!--<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">[[Asavean_Archipelago|Asavean]] Merchants</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">Production</td></tr>
<tr><td>192 Rings</td><td>6 Cerulean Mazzarine, 5 Orichalcum, 4 Iridescent Gloaming, 3 Tempest Jade</td></tr>
<tr><td>720 Rings</td><td>18 Cerulean Mazzarine, 15 Orichalcum, 12 Iridescent Gloaming, 9 Tempest Jade</td></tr></table></div>-->
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">[[Axos|Axou]] Merchants</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">Production</td></tr>
<tr><td>160 Rings</td><td>5 Beggar's Lye, 4 Orichalcum, 3 Tempest Jade, 3 Crystal Mana</td></tr>
<tr><td>600 Rings</td><td>15 Beggar's Lye, 12 Orichalcum, 9 Tempest Jade, 9 Crystal Mana</td></tr></table></div>
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">[[Commonwealth]] Merchants</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">Production</td></tr>
<tr><td>160 Rings</td><td>5 Green Iron, 5 Tempest Jade, 4 Ambergelt</td></tr>
<tr><td>600 Rings</td><td>15 Green Iron, 15 Tempest Jade, 12 Ambergelt</td></tr></table></div>
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">[[Faraden]] Merchants</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">Production</td></tr>
<tr><td>192 Rings</td><td>4 True Vervain, 2 Imperial Roseweald, 5 Weltsilver, 3 Orichalcum, 2 Tempest Jade, 2 Green Iron</td></tr>
<tr><td>720 Rings</td><td>12 True Vervain, 6 Imperial Roseweald, 15 Weltsilver, 9 Orichalcum, 6 Tempest Jade, 6 Green Iron</td></tr></table></div>
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">[[Iron Confederacy|Suranni]] Merchants</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">Production</td></tr>
<tr><td>192 Rings</td><td>6 Marrowort, 6 Green Iron, 4 Ambergelt, 2 Orichalcum</td></tr>
<tr><td>720 Rings</td><td>12 Marrowort, 20 Green Iron, 14 Ambergelt, 6 Orichalcum</td></tr></table></div>
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">[[Thule]] Merchants</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">Production</td></tr>
<tr><td>288 Rings</td><td>10 crystal mana</td></tr>
<tr><td>864 Rings</td><td>24 crystal mana</td></tr></table></div>
<!--<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">[[Principalities of Jarm|Jarmish]] Merchants</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">Production</td></tr>
<tr><td>192 Rings</td><td>6 Imperial Roseweald, 3 Crystal Mana, 5 Dragonbone, 3 Green Iron</td></tr>
<tr><td>720 Rings</td><td>18 Imperial Roseweald, 9 Crystal Mana, 15 Dragonbone, 9 Green Iron</td></tr></table></div>-->
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">[[Sarcophan Delves|Sarcophan]] Merchants</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">Production</td></tr>
<tr><td>160 Rings</td><td>5 Beggar's Lye, 5 Weltsilver, 5 Marrowort, 4 Imperial Roseweald</td></tr>
<tr><td>600 Rings</td><td>15 Beggar's Lye, 15 Weltsilver, 15 Marrowort, 12 Imperial Roseweald</td></tr></table></div>
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">[[Sumaah Republic|Sumaash]] Merchants</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">Production</td></tr>
<tr><td>160 Rings</td><td>6 Liao, 5 Orichalcum, 5 Dragonbone, 3 Imperial Roseweald</td></tr>
<tr><td>600 Rings</td><td>18 Liao, 15 Orichalcum, 15 Dragonbone, 9 Imperial Roseweald</td></tr></table></div>
===Member of the Senate===
The Imperial Consul is a [[Senate_session#Member_of_the_Senate|member of the Senate]]. They are entitled to enter the Senate chamber at the start of a [[Senate session]] and participate in the debates. They do not have the power to raise motions or to vote on a motion.
 
===Foreign Merchants===
The Imperial Consul enjoys a unique form of [[Ambassador#Mercantile_Support|mercantile support]]. Merchants and those seeking favour from every foreign nation with which the Empire has established an Embassy send representatives to Tassato to visit the Consulate. This functions as a series of [[ministry|ministries]] which allow the Consul to purchase quantities of special materials at a set price, similar to those enjoyed by the respective Ambassadors, albeit not on the same scale.
 
The Consul spends their money and makes their choices during downtime from their character page. Money is removed from, and resources are placed into, the character's inventory when the downtime is processed.


If the visitors are present at the summit and have requested an official audience, then the Senate room is made available for use at least once. If there is no ambassador or equivalent Imperial title with authority then the Consul is expected to receive guests from the Imperial throne and to decide on who will be present in the chamber during this audience.
===Representative of the Empire===
The civil service provide support to help an ambassador to represent the Empire when dealing with foreign dignitaries from any nation where there is no existing ambassador. They have all the available legal powers of an ambassador; the power to receive a [[Ambassador#Delegation|delegation]] and compose a [[Ambassador#Treaty|treaty]] when dealing with a foreign or barbarian nation.


===Right of Address===
The Consul receives a unique [[Ambassador#Briefing|briefing]] every summit, containing information about the various barbarian and foreign nations the Empire has no existing ambassador to deal with. They also receive a broad overview of the relationship between the Empire and all nations with which it does have an Embassy. Although these briefings are not as in-depth as those received by the individual Ambassadors, they serve to assist the Consul in discharging their duties as a liaison between the ambassadors and the Senate.
The Imperial Consul has the right to make a [[Senate address]] once per summit. This is intended to allow them to present important information for the senators consideration. To make an address, the Consul must inform the [[Speaker for the Senate]] of their intention, so that the Speaker can add the address to the agenda for the next [[Senate session]].
 
{{CaptionedImage|file=KelluaItsepainen.jpg |caption=The Imperial Consul works with the [[Embassy|Ambassadors]] to represent the<br/>Empire to foreign nations.|align=right|width=300}}
===Stipend===
==Selection==
The Imperial Consul receives a stipend of 10 thrones each season from the [[Imperial treasury]].
The Imperial Consul is appointed during the Summer Solstice. The Consul is [[Appointments_by_the_Senate#Appointment|appointed]] by the Imperial Senate.  


Any Imperial character may hold the title.
==Appointment==
The Imperial Consul is an Imperial position [[Appointments_by_the_Senate#Imperial_Position|appointed by the Senate]]. Any Imperial citizen can hold this title, and the consul serves for a year. They can be [[Revocation|revoked]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]] and by the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]].


==Removal==
{{RecentElections|Imperial_Consul}}
The Imperial Consul serves for one year, or until they die, step down, or are [[revocation|revoked]]..  
==Imperial Consulate==
Refurbished from an old four-storey building a stone's throw from the University of Tassato, the Consulate is an impressive edifice on the eastern banks of the river Vassa. The expanded private docks allow dignitaries and merchants from a wide variety of foreign powers to visit the Consul in private to discuss matters of import - or merely import their goods. The building also features fine apartments for the Consul's exclusive use, allowing them to host guests from within and without the Empire's borders and impress them with the accoutrements of state.


They can be revoked by the General Assembly and the Assembly of Nine of the [[Imperial Synod]].
Around a dozen staff also reside in the building, hand-picked by the Civil Service for their diplomatic acumen.


==History==
==Constitution==
The title as first presented passed through the Senate during the Summer 379YE session, and Kellua Itsepainen of Wintermark was appointed to the title. During [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|scrutiny]] by the Constitutional Court, however, several significant issues were raised. [[Create_title_of_High_Consul#Constitution|These issues]] included concerns about the use of the Right of Address, the implicit authority of the title to command other Imperial citizens, and the use of the word "High" in the original title. The Constitutional Court returned the motion creating the title to the Senate with a series of proposed amendments, leading to extensive and energetic debate between the Senators and [[Magistrates|Magistrate]] Karkovich. After spirited discussion, the [[Senate_motion#Administrative_Motions|administrative motion]] suggesting changes to the presentation of the title was accepted by the Senate.
During [[scrutiny]] by the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]] several significant issues were raised with this title. [[Create_title_of_High_Consul#Constitution|These issues]] included concerns about the use of the [[#Right of Address|Right of Address]], the implicit authority of the title to command other Imperial citizens, and the use of the word "High" in the original title.  


The Constitutional Court returned the motion creating the title to the Senate with a series of proposed amendments, leading to extensive and energetic debate between the Senators and [[Officers_of_the_Law#Magistrate|Magistrate]] Karkovich. After spirited discussion, the [[Senate_motion#Administrative_Motions|administrative motion]] suggesting changes to the presentation of the title was accepted by the Senate.
{{Senate Further Reading}}
{{Senate Further Reading}}
 
[[Category:Senate]][[Category:Title]][[Category:Foreign Nations]][[Category:Ambassador]]
[[Category:Senate]]
[[Category:Imperial Titles]]

Latest revision as of 00:39, 2 June 2024

Kellua Itsepainen
The first Imperial Consul was appointed in Summer 379YE

Overview

The Imperial Consul is an Imperial title appointed by the Imperial Senate. It was created by the Senate during the Summer 379YE summit, and sparked considerable controversy leading to a clash between the senators and the civil service over the recommendations of the Constitutional Court.

In Summer 382YE the Imperial Senate voted to provide a stipend to the Imperial Consul. They further amended during the Spring Equinox 383YE to make them a member of the Senate - again with a certain amount of controversy.

In Winter 383YE the title was further modified when the Senate chose to construct the Imperial Consulate in Tassato following the suggestion of the Merchant-Prince of the Featherwick Guild, granting additional benefits including briefings on the Empire's diplomatic position, access to merchants from a variety of foreign nations, and equal respect as any regular Ambassador.

Responsibilities

The Imperial Consul is expected to liaise with Imperial ambassadors and similar positions and report back to the Senate. The Imperial Constitution is clear that authority for negotiation with foreign powers lies with the appointed ambassador- the Consul has no legal right to direct the ambassadors in their work - their role is to liaise with the Imperial ambassadors and help keep the Senate abreast of diplomatic developments.

The Imperial Consul is however responsible for handling diplomatic relations with any foreign and barbarian power with which the Senate has not created a seperate ambassador. The Imperial Constitution grants the power of authority for diplomatic relations to the Imperial Senate - by creating this title, the Senate divests itself of their remaining authority in this area to the Consul. When dealing with such a nation, their responsibilities are similar to those common to an ambassador

Foreign nations have agendas of their own, and may seek to draw the Empire into their intrigues. The existence of the Imperial Consul does not automatically mean that a foreign nation will engage with them - most nations are disinclined to deal extensively with the Empire while there is no embassy. The civil service and the Secretary to the Diplomatic Corps will do their best to appraise such nations of the role of the Imperial Consul.

Limitations

The Imperial Consul can only represent the Empire in dealings with foreign or barbarian nations where there is no existing Imperial ambassador with responsibility for doing so. If an embassy for a foreign nation has been completed then the legal powers of the Consul do not cover dealings with representatives of that nation - even if the ambassador is absent or the post has not yet been filled; the existence of such a title is sufficient.

Powers

Right of Address

The Imperial Consul has the right to make a Senate address once per summit. This is intended to allow them to present important information for the senators consideration. To make an address, the Consul must inform the Speaker for the Senate of their intention, so that the Speaker can add the address to the agenda for the next Senate session.

Axou MerchantsProduction
160 Rings5 Beggar's Lye, 4 Orichalcum, 3 Tempest Jade, 3 Crystal Mana
600 Rings15 Beggar's Lye, 12 Orichalcum, 9 Tempest Jade, 9 Crystal Mana
Commonwealth MerchantsProduction
160 Rings5 Green Iron, 5 Tempest Jade, 4 Ambergelt
600 Rings15 Green Iron, 15 Tempest Jade, 12 Ambergelt
Faraden MerchantsProduction
192 Rings4 True Vervain, 2 Imperial Roseweald, 5 Weltsilver, 3 Orichalcum, 2 Tempest Jade, 2 Green Iron
720 Rings12 True Vervain, 6 Imperial Roseweald, 15 Weltsilver, 9 Orichalcum, 6 Tempest Jade, 6 Green Iron
Suranni MerchantsProduction
192 Rings6 Marrowort, 6 Green Iron, 4 Ambergelt, 2 Orichalcum
720 Rings12 Marrowort, 20 Green Iron, 14 Ambergelt, 6 Orichalcum
Thule MerchantsProduction
288 Rings10 crystal mana
864 Rings24 crystal mana
Sarcophan MerchantsProduction
160 Rings5 Beggar's Lye, 5 Weltsilver, 5 Marrowort, 4 Imperial Roseweald
600 Rings15 Beggar's Lye, 15 Weltsilver, 15 Marrowort, 12 Imperial Roseweald
Sumaash MerchantsProduction
160 Rings6 Liao, 5 Orichalcum, 5 Dragonbone, 3 Imperial Roseweald
600 Rings18 Liao, 15 Orichalcum, 15 Dragonbone, 9 Imperial Roseweald

Member of the Senate

The Imperial Consul is a member of the Senate. They are entitled to enter the Senate chamber at the start of a Senate session and participate in the debates. They do not have the power to raise motions or to vote on a motion.

Foreign Merchants

The Imperial Consul enjoys a unique form of mercantile support. Merchants and those seeking favour from every foreign nation with which the Empire has established an Embassy send representatives to Tassato to visit the Consulate. This functions as a series of ministries which allow the Consul to purchase quantities of special materials at a set price, similar to those enjoyed by the respective Ambassadors, albeit not on the same scale.

The Consul spends their money and makes their choices during downtime from their character page. Money is removed from, and resources are placed into, the character's inventory when the downtime is processed.

Representative of the Empire

The civil service provide support to help an ambassador to represent the Empire when dealing with foreign dignitaries from any nation where there is no existing ambassador. They have all the available legal powers of an ambassador; the power to receive a delegation and compose a treaty when dealing with a foreign or barbarian nation.

The Consul receives a unique briefing every summit, containing information about the various barbarian and foreign nations the Empire has no existing ambassador to deal with. They also receive a broad overview of the relationship between the Empire and all nations with which it does have an Embassy. Although these briefings are not as in-depth as those received by the individual Ambassadors, they serve to assist the Consul in discharging their duties as a liaison between the ambassadors and the Senate.

Stipend

The Imperial Consul receives a stipend of 10 thrones each season from the Imperial treasury.

Appointment

The Imperial Consul is an Imperial position appointed by the Senate. Any Imperial citizen can hold this title, and the consul serves for a year. They can be revoked by the General Assembly and by the Assembly of the Nine.

SummitNationElected
Summer Solstice 386YEDawnJarrigk Orzel
Summer Solstice 385YEDawnJarrigk Orzel
Summer Solstice 384YEDawnJarrigk Orzel
Summer Solstice 383YEImperial OrcsFal
Summer Solstice 382YEImperial OrcsFal
Summer Solstice 381YEThe LeagueAureliana Perpetua Nicasia Saverio di Sarvos
Summer Solstice 380YEThe LeagueAureliana Perpetua Nicasia Saverio di Sarvos
Summer Solstice 379YEWintermarkKellua Itsepainen

Recent Elections

This title is currently held by Jarrigk Orzel; it will be reelected at Summer Solstice 387YE. The table to the right shows the citizens who have been elected to hold this title in the years since Empress Britta died.

Imperial Consulate

Refurbished from an old four-storey building a stone's throw from the University of Tassato, the Consulate is an impressive edifice on the eastern banks of the river Vassa. The expanded private docks allow dignitaries and merchants from a wide variety of foreign powers to visit the Consul in private to discuss matters of import - or merely import their goods. The building also features fine apartments for the Consul's exclusive use, allowing them to host guests from within and without the Empire's borders and impress them with the accoutrements of state.

Around a dozen staff also reside in the building, hand-picked by the Civil Service for their diplomatic acumen.

Constitution

During scrutiny by the Constitutional Court several significant issues were raised with this title. These issues included concerns about the use of the Right of Address, the implicit authority of the title to command other Imperial citizens, and the use of the word "High" in the original title.

The Constitutional Court returned the motion creating the title to the Senate with a series of proposed amendments, leading to extensive and energetic debate between the Senators and Magistrate Karkovich. After spirited discussion, the administrative motion suggesting changes to the presentation of the title was accepted by the Senate.

Further Reading

Core Brief

Additional Information