The Throne
Overview
Created at the founding of the Empire the role of Empress is that of leading the Empire through times of troubles; whether that be military, political or economic has not mattered historically. When the Empire requires a single point of decision making, or needs to reform its institutions, it is the position of Empress that provides that executive authority.
Role within the Empire
As a titular figurehead of the Empire the role of Empress provides an essential decision making facility in emergencies; where as the Senate must debate for hours to achieve anything the capability of the Empress to make and deploy rapid responses in crisises has been proved vital on a number of occassions. It also has expressed the vulnerability of so much power located in an individual at points in the empire's history and that has meant that currently there are powers in other Imperial institutions to recall the Empress if such is required again.
Entry Requirements
To become Empress is the childhood ambition of so many boys and girls when they play their childhood games. For some it lasts far into their adulthood, but it is so difficult a task that few would ever have even a sliver of a chance of success.
Any Imperial citizen in good standing may be nominated for the throne of the Empress by a Senator when the Iron Voice hosting the session of the Senate asks if there is to be a candidate for the throne (this is a convention of every Senate session and it is very rare that any Senator will meet the Speaker's eyes when it is asked).
Given the difficulty of the election and the arduous nature of the role then it is felt that any candidate is often needed to be head and shoulder's above their peers, though sometimes a political compromise wins through.
History
The position of Empress has generated some of the greatest heros and heroines of the Empire and also some of the most controversial figures. The Senate and Synod have long recognised that placing an inappropriate candidate on the throne, with the powers associated, is a very risky proposition. For this reason the appointment of the Empress is done by constitutional vote.
For details of the Empresses see The History of the Empire
Structure and Dynamics
There's little structure to the role of Empress. It has always been considered an independent role and the manner in which it has been done to be the remit of the Empress herself. Traditionally, though, the Empress has gone to the front lines, to where the Empire has been under threat and worked there with a dedicated team of individuals, none of whom carry official title. This has ensured that there has been no sense of requirement on the Senate to install a candidate from those around the throne should an Empress fall and has reduced any possible nepotism that would otherwise have emerged.
Powers and Functions
Constitutional Ratification - MORE TO BE ADDED This power does not pass to the Senate when there is no Empress.
Appointment of the First Generals - MORE TO BE ADDED This power does pass to the Senate when there is no Empress.
The Mercy of the Empress - MORE TO BE ADDED This power does not pass to the Senate when there is no Empress.
Leadership - MORE TO BE ADDED This function does not pass to the Senate when there is no Empress.
Titular head of State - MORE TO BE ADDED This function does pass to the Senate when there is no Empress.
Resources
The Throne of the Empress has a set of Campaign Resources for the Empress herself and a number to be granted at her behest. Details of these will be added at a later date.
Icons and Imagery
Horse, Throne, Eight or more crowns.
Children and the Empress
It is expected for the Empress to act as an inspiration for the children of the Empire and to act directly as a role model for them both day to day and across the arc of her career. It has been common in Imperial history for the Empress to in fact meet children in their schools or with their families and to be reminded of the future citizens whom she serves by serving the Empire. Where an Empress has shunned children or avoided them then they have been viewed with significant suspicion and such behaviour has often caused questions to be raised in the Synod about their attitude.
Note: The Title of Empress
The title, the position and all female holders of the position are referred to as Empress as the first to take the throne was the First Empress. In honour of her it is so referred. Male citizens who take the title have often elected to have themselves referred to as Emperor, but not all have done so.