The Senate is one of the most important institutions of the Empire. It is probably right to say that Thyatis is not a monarchy, but rather a diarchy, in which Senate and Emperor are the two rulers. Whether the Senate or the Emperor is the true ruler, depends mostly on the individual strength of the Emperor and on the strength of the various factions inside the Senate.
The Senate is a very conflictual unit. In Thyatis, traditionally, there are no political parties in the modern sense of the term, however the rivalries among the noble houses, the churches and the fact that part of the Senate is elected by the common citizens of the Empire makes it important to forge bonds between groups and individuals with similar goals, and act together to achieve results.
A unique feature of Thyatis is the presence of two different types of nobility, the feudal one and the senatorial one.
The most ancient nobility is the senatorial one. The first Thyatian Senate was founded in BC 297, before the Alphatian conquest of Thyatis. As part of the policy of appeasement devised by Empress Valentia, the Senate was re-created in AC 20, and it was open only to the descendants of these aristocratic families. There was no landed aristocracy, no land titles (nor were there democratically elected senators until AC 59). The only exception to the rule were the ruling houses of Hattias, Ochalea and the Pearl Islands – but Ochalea and the Pearl Islands had been independent kingdoms before the Alphatian invasion, and Hattias after all had a separate culture altogether.
This situation changed in AC 59, when a revolt had Emperor Zendrol killed1. The new Emperor Aemilius Scaurus and his supporters in the Senate introduced at the same time elections and the Hattian feudal system in the mainland, to weaken the ancient aristocratic families. Developed from ancient proto-Hattian inheritance laws,2 it was reproduced over parts of the Empire to weaken the control of the Senate over the land, and correspondingly the new dominion rulers got their own senators to represent them in the Senate. At the same time, the demi-human rulers got official recognition, although they had always been de-facto rulers of their lands.
These noble Senators, holding office by virtue of their families’ prestige, are called “Patres” (fathers) or “Matres” (mothers), in reference to their being the household leaders.
A large number of Senators are either elected for a term (usually 4 to 6 years, depending on the Emperor’s decision about when to call for a new election), or conscripted by the Senate. The latter option was established in the early years of the Empire as a way to include senior political and military officers, valued for their experience and competence, in the Senate, even though they were not the heads of noble families. These Senators were called “Conscripti”, in reference to their being Senators by election rather than by right.
There are 15 ecclesiastic senators: the 3 Flamines (the chief patriarchs of the cults of Solarios3, Tarastia and Valerias) and 12 Pontifices. The Pontifices are 12 priests, chosen among all the clerics, divinators and sages of the land. 6 are designated by the Church of Thyatis, which represents the priests of all main Immortals of Thyatis (Asterius, Diulanna, Halav, Khoronus, Korotiku, Odin, Protius, Tarastia, Thor, Valerias, Vanya), while 6 are elected for life by the population of the Mainland. They can be of all faiths. Among them is also the Emperor, the 13th Pontifex, that bears the symbolic title of Pontifex Maximus ("Greatest Pontifex").
In the early years of the Empire, Thyatians had three main deities: Solarios, Tarastia and Valerias. However, with the new feudal regime introduced by the Hattian ruling families, there was a great switch from the cult of Solarios to the more warlike and opportunistic cult of Vanya, that appealed more to the expansionistic and practical nature of Thyatians. The decadence of Solarios’s cult increased during the events that led to the migration of Ispan Thyatians4 to the Savage Coast, resulting also in the expulsion of Solarios’s priests from the Church of Thyatis. The slip in Solarios’s cult was so great that in AC 1000, Solarios is not even included among the main Thyatian immortals and his cult is a minor one. However, an aspect of the Thyatian society is also its traditionalist nature, so the ancient seat reserved to the Flamen (patriarch) of Solarios is still present, and the head of the cult of Solarios is therefore a member of the Senate.
Rumors say that Thincol’s son Eusebius is devoted to Solarios. Although he has never dispelled the rumors, many think that this is a confirmation enough of his religious views.
The Thyatian Senate is composed in the following way5:
21 senators are direct representatives chosen by the Dominion Rulers6. A Dominion Ruler with the status of Baron or Count can choose to be his own representative, but for practical reasons, only some Mainland rulers do so -- usually those whose fiefs lie within a day or so from the capital, or who have regular access to magical transportation.
11 senators are the Dukes and Arch-Dukes themselves. Some of them prefer to step down from this seat and leave it to their chosen heir. This is also the custom for the Emperor himself, who never takes the seat of the Duke of Thyatis, leaving it instead to his heir.
40 senators are members of the aristocratic families of Thyatis (traditionally, these were the original “Patres” and “Matres”). They have hereditary right to the seat, and if one of them is guilty of accusations that result in the stripping of title, then a member of the family inherits the seat. The Council of Inheritance, a Senatorial committee in charge of awarding senatorial seats to the aristocratic families, then proceeds to select the closest relative who is free of accusations, and awards the senatorial seat to him.
16 are ecclesiastic senators: 12 Pontifices and 3 Flamines from Thyatis (see above), 1 chosen by the Church of Karameikos (see below).
67
senators
are
elected,
with
elections
called
by
the
Emperor
every
4-6 years.
The
constituencies
that elect the Senators
are
distributed
according to
the
following
formula:
1 senator from each Barony
2 senators from each County
3 senators from each Duchy except Thyatis.
5 senators from each Grand-Duchy, plus Thyatis
1 senator from any city, protectorate or alliance of towns/cities/protectorates which reaches at least 10,000 inhabitants and does not belong to a dominion7
A varying number of senators are meritory persons, such as generals, diplomats, resigning rulers, etc; these senators are elected by the Senate (and therefore called “Conscripti”), receive their position for life, and their seat is personal; thus, at the death of one of them, the Senate elects one more; there cannot be more than 39, since, in the time when the first Conscripti were introduced, by law they could not outnumber the Patres. In AC 1000, there are 35 meritory Senators.
If a Senator has access to more than one seat, he must select only one, and leave the other(s) so that each seat is held by a single person. The details vary depending on the nature of the seats.
If
the
senator
is
an
aristocrat
or
a
dominion
ruler,
he
can
resign
his
family
or
dominion
seat
for
the
benefit
of
his
heir,
and
keep
the
other
seat.
For
example,
an
aristocratic
cleric
with
a
seat
for
his
family
becomes
Flamen.
He
resigns
the
seat
as
member
of
the
family
to
his
first
son
and
keeps
the
Flamen
seat.
Another example is the Crown Prince, who traditionally occupies the seat of the Duke of Thyatis, while the Emperor is traditionally awarded one of the 39 seats reserved to the meritory Senators as soon as he is elected. At that point he resigns from his seat as Duke of Thyatis, which is awarded to his chosen heir. This is also done to give a stronger claim to the throne to the heir.
If the Senator is a privateer (has been elected by the Senate as a meritory member, or is a representative of the people), he must renounce one of his seats. If he renounces a representative seat, a by-election is held in the region he represents. If he renounces a meritory member seat, nothing happens, although the Senate might select a new meritory candidate if the number of meritory Senators drops below 39. However, a meritory Senator usually renounces his other seat, since the meritory seat is for life.
Note that the same procedure also takes place if a senator loses his seat not due to having a choice between two seats, or resigning for other personal reasons, but rather because he has been stripped of the title by the Senate due to some major charge (betrayal of the nation, etc.). This is usually the way Emperors replace political opponents with more suitable senators, when they are especially displeased by the current ones.
But it is noteworthy that the Senate can also do this at the expense of the Emperor's loyalists, and thus collect enough votes to dethrone a weak Emperor.
A dense
population, in
extreme
distress,
inhabit an
island where
there is
an Established
Church, which
is not
their Church,
and a
territorial
aristocracy the
richest of
whom live
in foreign
capitals. Thus
you have
a starving
population, an
absentee
aristocracy,
and an
alien Church;
and in
addition the
weakest
executive in
the world.
That is
the Karameikan
Question.
-
Abbott Teng
Lee-Dai,
Senator of
the Philosophers
The issue of the Grand-Duchy of Karameikos’s status in the Empire is extremely controversial. The Grand-Duchy is a de-facto independent state, as is proven by the presence of ambassadors, especially of a Thyatian ambassador, at the court of the Archduke in Specularum. However, the treaties signed by the Emperor and presented to the Senate were especially vague in its phrasing. The Senate debate surrounding the approval of the Karameikos bill has gone down into history as the most heated of Thincol’s reign. In the end, the easiest solution was not to vote anything substantial, and to freeze the status of all Karameikos senators. Stefan, though Arch-Duke of an unresolved-status dominion (from the Senate’s point of view), is not entitled to a Senatorial seat. Nor can he choose a representative as would be the right of dukes and arch-dukes.
However, Gens Aurelia managed to pass a bill (backed by Sergii, Zendrolian, Pure Ones and many Populares) by which the Church of Karameikos, although officially a different church altogether from the Church of Thyatis, might propose one of their members to the Senate. It is then up to the Church of Thyatis to approve of the suggestion, or to ask for another name. The Church of Thyatis and Gens Aurelia try in this way to hold some control over its daughter Church. How all this will change in the future, when and if Stefan decides he is strong enough to declare himself King, is uncertain. But Gens Aurelia has done this also to separate the fate of Karameikos from that of its state Church. And to secure themselves an extra senatorial seat.
When in session, the Emperor holds the position of Princeps Senatus; if he is not present, the Crown Prince acts as Praesidens Pro Tempore of the Senate (and holds the Emperor's vote in proxy). If neither are present, the most senior Senator present functions as Praesidens Pro Tempore. These officers function as speakers (Dictators) of the Senate, recognizing individual Senators in debate and scheduling topics of discussion (which gives them a great deal of influence over what is discussed).
Note that every Senator has the right to speak on every topic if he or she chooses, and so the Senate officers must be fair in recognizing those who stand to speak. However, the ability to guide the order in which topics are discussed and the order in which Senators are recognized to speak before the body can be critical.
While there are no true "political parties" in the Thyatian Senate8, there are a number of informal factions which cover a similar function.
Ok Boy, here's the hall. What’s troubling you, Boy? The seat? You wanna know where to seat? Nobody told you there ain’t fixed places here in the Senate, huh? Well, well, you're really a green boy, Boy. Let me help you out, I've been an official here so long I can tell you the affiliation of any one senator just by looking how he or she walks around the place!
Now, there you see that big mass of people seated at the center in front of the speaker? Those are the Optimates, the aristocratic faction. Many of them are rulers, like Callastian Retebius, see the guy with the symbol of the Knights of the Air on his cloak? He's one of the Emperor's main followers among the Optimates, those are called the Gens Zendrolian. At their right you see the Aurelii, the clerical faction among the aristocracy. See that grim man with the square jaw who seems like to swallow his teeth in a moment? He's Malderius Kerendas, the brother of Duke Maldinius. They'd like to swap the Senate with a religious council, and speak all the time of Immortals and vows and you-name-it. If you're a pious Boy, that's the place for you to sit, Boy. Next to big jaw Malderius.
Then… Let me see.. At the left of the Zendrolian you see there's two groups, one sits in the front and one on the back benches. Those in front are the Aemilii, they are the Senate’s aristocratic champions. Speak all time of how the Senate is the true ruler, not Thincol. Emperors like them not much - they tend to plot a lot when things get sour in the Empire, just as likely to overthrow an Emperor as they are to get all exiled or without a head. Backing them, in the literal sense of the word, are the Sergii. Those are nice chaps, they just want to get along well with everyone. Not possible in Thyatis and especially not in Thyatis, I'm afraid. You see that old woman who is scolding that man like he was her half-witted son? It's Aemilia Scaurus, spokewoman of the Aemilii, she's not happy with poor Lucinius, he's one of the Sergii. Probably she didn't feel the Sergii helped’em well enough in the opposition to the latest Arms bill presented by the Zendrolian.
You wanna know who IS happy with the outcome of the bill? Look on the far right and you'll see the Pure Ones. Nasty, if you ask me. You're not Hattian, are you? You might well be, with that dark hair and blue eyes. Well if you are, that might be the place for you: Pure Ones always boast about how they want to increase army expenses and go out to conquer one place or the other. One day it’s Helskir, the other one Aegos, or Selenica, or Tameronikas. They were bigger before half the Vanya madmen left for Heldann.
See how they're mocking those other fellas on the left to the Optimates? Those who seem most unhappy of all? They are the Philosophers, you see Samuel Puar, that thin pearl-islander there who stands up facing the Hattian who is mocking him? He's one of their leaders. Philosophers are pacifist eggheads, they like to use complicated words and to discuss bills about schools and universities. 'f you’re a scholarly lad mighthaps they're the ones you'd like to work with.
To the left of them there's another big bunch, those there, you see that mixed-up collection of merchants, soldiers and commoners? Those are the Populares. They boast they're true representatives of the people. Surely they're friendly with a lot of merchant families, guild members and worker's unions. Not always easy to balance that, if you ask me, they quarrel a lot among themselves, they do! Especially the union people.
See the last bunch on the left? Those are the Republicans. You're not one of them, Boy, are you? Troublesome guys. Some of them got hung some years ago. Not good idea to try and turn Empires into Republics, if you ask me. And that's all... What? Those few up there squeezed between Populares and Philosophers, all looking very dignified and detached from the others? They are the Free Thinkers. If you need their vote it's just as well you got some money or position to feed them with, and they'll vote with you, doesn't matter whether you're republican or clerical…
So, Boy. Have you chosen where to sit? There? Ah, Boy, I knew you were a good guy as soon as I met you… That’s a nice, nice choice for a young lad as you… Welcome to the Senate!
|
Aem. |
Aur. |
Serg. |
Zend. |
Phil. |
Pop. |
Rep. |
Pure |
Free |
Aemilii |
|
U |
F |
U |
N |
N |
U |
U |
N |
Aurelii |
U |
|
U |
F |
U |
U |
VU |
U |
N |
Sergii |
F |
U |
|
F |
F |
N |
U |
VU |
N |
Zendrolian |
U |
F |
F |
|
N |
U |
VU |
U |
N |
Philosoph. |
N |
U |
F |
N |
|
F |
U |
VU |
N |
Populares |
N |
U |
N |
U |
F |
|
F |
VU |
F |
Republic.s |
U |
VU |
U |
VU |
U |
F |
|
VU |
U |
Pure Ones |
U |
U |
VU |
U |
VU |
VU |
VU |
|
U |
Freethink. |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
F |
U |
U |
|
VF=very friendly, F=friendly, N=neutral, U=unfriendly, VU=very unfriendly
This faction is built up around the aristocratic ancient families and their followers (Clientela) and allies. It is a very large group, comprising 112 senators, but it is roughly divided in four smaller groups, called Gentes (“families”), which share different views on the political conduct of the Senate and the Empire.
The four Gentes9 are:
25 senators
We are
the cream
of the
Senate. The
top of
the Empire.
Thyatians have
ruled these
lands for
over one
thousand years.
They can
tell you
it’s
thanks to
the Emperor,
they can
tell you
it’s
because of
the troops.
It’s
all true,
up to
a point.
But the
Emperor has
only a
lifetime before
him, and
if his
heirs are
not top-notch,
they will
go down
as a
footnote in
history and
be forgotten
forever. On
the other
hand, the
Senate will
always be
here as
long as
the Empire
stands. And
since the
Aemilii are
the soul
and heart
of the
Senate, we
are also
the soul
and heart
of the
Empire.
-
Aemilia Scaurus,
Senator of
Gens Aemilia
and mater
familias10
of the
Scaurus
Ideology: Expansion of Senatorial & Aristocratic Prerogatives
Gens Aemilia, led by the related families Paulus and Scaurus, represents the part of the Senatorial aristocracy that always tried to reinforce the Senate's power at the expense of the Emperor. Good examples of their political practices are the politics of the Emperors of the Scaurus family (59-117).
The Aemilii have been particularly influential in the Duchy of Kantrium, where they possess vast estates and are an economic power. The Paulus family is now planning to send their younger members to the Hinterlands, to establish a personal dominion with strong ties to the Senate instead of the Emperor.
Allies:
They
try to gather the support of the other factions, although they are
not especially close to any of them -- actually, the policies they
would implement are not too different from those of the Zendrolians,
except for the balance of power between Emperor and Senate.
Enemies:
Gens
Zendrolian,
Gens
Aurelia,
Republicans
The Aemilii
and their
attitude are
dangerous. They
are trying
to make
the Emperor
just a
figurehead -
and they
are so
stupid that
they don’t
understand that
they are
just playing
in
the hands
of those
Populares and
their scarecrow
friends, the
Republicans.
Sooner or
later there
will be
a war
with Alphatia,
and then
we will
see who
is really
a friend
of the
Empire and
how many
of them
will turn
out only
as agents
of the
enemy or
raving
revolutionaries.
-
Kymon Cubitius,
Zendrolian Senator
and staunch
supporter of
Emperor Thincol
The Gens Aemilia directly opposes the Gens Zendrolian and the Gens Aurelia, as they perceive the Emperor and the clerical establishment as the other two true powers in Thyatis.
Ties with ruler dominions:
Duke Maldinius Kerendas, Duke Tarik Ben Nadir and Baron Babrak Biazzan are ruling Senators of Gens Aemilia. Baroness Gilla Blyskarats also supports the Gens.
Important
Senators:
In addition to the aforementioned rulers,
prominent Senators of the Aemilii are Tiberius Paulus (head of the
Paulus family), Aemilia Scaurus (head of the Scaurus family), Thrain
Kalskirt11
and Helenites Osteropolus12.
23 senators
Politics without
ethics is
not politics.
Without a
spiritual
guide, there
is no
rightfulness
nor justice.
All right
and justice
come from
above, not
from the
hands of
feeble
humankind,
and so
comes the
power of
the Emperor
- from the
Immortals, and
thus from
the Church.
The Senate
is an
old and
honorable
institution,
we're
agreed. It's
just that
it needs
some revision.
We do
not mean
to replace
the Senate,
much less
the Emperor.
We only
mean to
improve the
Senate by
increasing the
role of
the Church
of Thyatis
in it.
How can
there be
anything wrong
in this?
-
Gaia Ephore,
Flaminia Tarastiana
(Supreme Patriarchess
of Tarastia)
Ideology: Theocratic Influence
This faction is represented by the Vorbian aristocratic family and is heavily influenced by the Church of the Trias. Members of the Gens Aurelia includes Adrian Aurelian, the most influential Pontifex of Thyatis, Werner Van Holze, the lieutenant of the Flamen of Solarios, and several dominion rulers.
Their political goal is to support the Emperor through the organs of the Church, but they also use their power to strengthen the Church itself, and try to substitute the Church instead of the Senate in the role of the political counterpart of the Emperor. Many hands-off clerics of the Church do not like the machinations of the Gens Aurelia.
Allies:
Church
of Thyatis, Church of Solarios, Thyarius
Palykratidius13
I guess
the Aurelii
are the
most close
to our
point of
view, at
least they
are honorable
and loyal
enough that
we can
discuss with
them and
vote on
military
fundings and
most
administrative
issues. They
are just
a bit
too pompous
with all
their talk
of religion.
But as
long as
the Emperor
can fund
the religious
ceremonies,
they will
stay true
to the
Crown.
-
Demetrion
Karangeteropolus,
Senator of
Gens Zendrolian
Enemies:
Republicans,
Gens
Sergia,
Populares,
Gens
Aemilia,
Philosophers
Gens Aurelia
is not
corrupt, but
that’s
probably the
only compliment
they can
get. The
Aurelii would
like to
change the
Empire into
some wretched
clerical
theocracy.
Moreover, in
Thyatis we
have more
deities than
dominion
rulers, and
most of
them are
not even
Thyatian in
origin. If
they had
their way,
we would
probably end
up in
a civil
war between
exalted
Patriarchs and
Pontifices of
one cult
or another.
-
Tiberius Paulus,
Senator of
Gens Aemilia
and pater
familias of
the Paulii
The Gens Aurelia, due to its closeness to the interests of the Thyatian clergy, has gathered a lot of opponents -- all those who have other social groups to support. Essentially, they are on good terms only with the Gens Zendrolian, on the basis that the enemy of their enemies is their friend. Indeed, the social classes that would benefit from a weakening of the Imperial power are the same that would benefit from a weakening of the clerical power.
Ties with dominion rulers:
Archduke Derentarius is a Senator and the most important ruler tied to Gens Aurelia.
Important Senators:
Kallistos Vorbian (head
of Vorbian aristocratic family), Albrecht Reus (Pontifex and
Patriarch of Vanya), Gaia Ephore (Flaminia (Supreme
Patriarchess) of Tarastia)
19 senators
Let our
fellow
Optimates say
that we
don't
commit
ourselves
enough to
the Senate
or the
Emperor; let
the Populares
say we
don't
strife
enough for
the good
of the
People. They
are all
stubborn
partisans that
forget how
different
situations
require
different
responses, and
not decisions
clouded by
prejudice and
political
hatred. The
great thing
about the
Empire is
its
flexibility,
provided by
the many
cultures and
ideologies that
have built
it. We
are the
oil that
keep all
those different
cogs and
wheels
well-lubricated
- and we
are those
who enable
the Empire
to respond
quickly and
efficiently to
any challenge
or threat
it might
face.
-
Lucius Scaevola,
Senator of
the Gens
Sergia
Ideology: Moderate Conservatives
Both leading families of the Gens Sergia trace their origin back to Sergius Trenzantenbium, cousin of Lucinius, the King of Thyatis during the Struggle for Freedom. Sergius had two sons, Lucinius and Mucius. Mucius was later nicknamed "Scaevola" ("Left-Handed") due to the loss of his right hand.
The two sons of Sergius gave their names to the two branches of the family that descended from him. Both families have distinguished themselves as moderate Optimates, far from the excesses of the nationalistic aristocratic families. They have supported the Empire but also strongly the rights of the Senate; this ambiguous position has resulted in several violent deaths and proscriptions at the hands of imperial usurpers or intransigent senatorial leaders.
Allies:
The Sergii
are true
aristocrats, a
good backbone
for the
Optimates; most
of them
are scholars,
diplomats,
intelligent and
capable,
trustworthy in
most
administrative
posts, but
not as
leaders. They
are too
soft, some
of them
outright
craven, and
content to
leave to
us the
reputation of
‘tough
guys’ -
but as
long as
they vote
our proposals
and for
our candidates
at important
posts, that’s
not an
issue for
us Aemilii.
-
Silenus Porpora,
Senator of
Gens Aemilia
Ambassador Ettore Ottaviano, like several other members of the Imperial diplomatic corps, is a supporter of Gens Sergia. Many diplomats see the Sergii as true supporters of the Empire, rather than followers of individual Emperors, and appreciate their awareness of foreign affairs beyond their impact on senatorial bickering.
Enemies:
Gens
Aurelia,
Republicans
Never trust
a member
of Gens
Sergia. They
are just
smiling
hypocrites that
spend their
time switching
sides and
calling their
policy
‘moderate’.
Half of
them are
just trying
to stay
out of
trouble by
refusing to
take any
stance, and
the others
are the
most
honey-tongued
liars in
all the
Empire - and
that’s
not a
small
accomplishment
at all.
-
Archduke
Derentarius,
Senator and
ruler of
Terentias
The Gens Sergia has few enemies in modern times, thanks to its moderate stance. The Gens Aurelia is disliked for its focus on religion, whereas the Republicans are the more directly opposed faction -- but they are a shared enemy to all Optimates.
Ties with dominion rulers:
Count Geraldan Actavius, and more in general the Actavii family have been long time supporters of Gens Sergia. Count Baldassarre Patrizio is about the only other dominion ruler to support this Gens. The Furmenglaives’ support to the Gens is almost only formal, as Count Phileus hasn’t shown up in the Senate for several years now.
Important Senators:
Lucius Scaevola (head of
Scaevola family), Julian Lucinius (head of Lucinius family), Geraldan
Actavius (Count of Actius), Irene Pallathakis14.
40 senators
The mere
fact that
we have
in the
Senate someone
like the
Republicans is
proof enough
of how
languid this
institution has
become. We
don’t
need a
majority and
opposition, we
barely need
elections and
surely we
don’t
need all
this
self-serving
cronies and
potential
traitors. Bad
or good,
the Emperor
is the
incarnation of
the Empire,
and the
only thing
the Empire
needs is
good counseling
and an
united front
against all
of his
enemies. That
is why
the Senate
exists - and
we are
here to
remember
everyone of
this FACT.
-
Maria Evergetes,
Senator of
Gens Zendrolian
Ideology: Support the Imperial Family
The Zendrolian faction takes its name obviously by the first emperor of Thyatis, and the Emperor's counselors, advisers and political allies (Clientela) represent it. Many heavy nationalists and imperialists list themselves in the Zendrolian gens, but so do such people as Demetrion Karagenteropolus.
Allies:
Vivianna
Romanones,
Tredorian,
Justin
Karameikos,
Demetius
Vannopolis.
The
Zendrolians
gather
a
wide
support
from
outstanding
individuals
with
personal
ties
to
Thincol
and/or
Eusebius.
Both the Emperor and the Prince have strong personalities and are
competent individuals, who easily command the respect of people
who they meet, even in unusual or awkward circumstances such as those
of the Alphatian hostage, Tredorian.
Enemies:
Republicans,
Populares,
Gens
Aemilia
Gens Zendrolian
is a
parasitic worm
attached to
the belly
of the
Emperor -
whoever he
or she
might be.
And if
it is
someone that
doesn’t
buy them
up well
enough, they
will conspire
to replace
him or
her with
someone fit
to the
task. They
are cronically
corrupt.
-
Publio Kelophorios,
elected Populares
Senator from
Actius
The Gens Zendrolian opposes directly those factions who would most weaken the Emperor’s grip on the Empire’s policies. The consider the Pure Ones as misguided, and the Hattian secessionists as potential traitors, but also as inconsequential due to their limited following.
Ties with dominion rulers:
The Gens Zendrolian enjoys support from several dominion rulers, especially those who, like Archduchess Triella Tien Tang and Archduke Donegal Firestorm, have been personal friends and adventuring companions of Thincol Torion.
Important Senators:
Emperor Thincol Torion,
Prince Eusebius Torion (Duke of Thyatis), Demetrion
Karagenteropolus15,
Archduchess Triella Tien Tang, Duke Callastian Retebius.
6 senators
The purpose
of the
Empire was
to conquer
other countries
and bring
enlightenment
to those
who knelt,
and death
to those
who didn’t.
Not to
be conquered
by the
soft and
morbid
doctrines of
savages and
barbars.
And now
one of
them even
sits on
the Imperial
Throne! If
things will
not change
soon, the
Empire is
doomed to
crumble.
Hattias will
not stand
and watch
in astonished
silence while
the very
root of
our culture
is eradicated
from the
Earth.
We will
secede and
prepare the
war against
any menace
that will
threaten the
true heartland
of Thyatian
ideology and
culture.
-
Tobias Von
Richter, Hattian
Senator of
the Pure
Ones
Ideology: Ultranationalists and Hattian Secessionists
These senators believe that the conduction of the Empire is wrong. Either the Empire will reopen a conquest politics and put out the non-Thyatian elements of its culture, or Hattias will leave the Empire. Although the latter aspect of Hattian secessionism is voiced only by the Hattian senators in this faction, many ultranationalists agree on the baseline ideology of Thyatian supremacy.
Allies:
Extremist
Hattians are the main allies of the Pure Ones. The
Storm
Soldiers, in particular, are
close if secret allies. Hattian members of the faction also entertain
cordial relations with the leadership of the Heldannic Knights, whom
they see as having taken the flag of Hattian glory from the decaying
Empire.
Enemies:
All
other
factions
The Pure Ones see all other factions as weak and untrustworthy. The Gens Aemilia and the Gens Zendrolian would be politically closer to the Pure Ones than others, but the Pure Ones see them as the primary culprits of the current state of the Empire. It is worth noting that most other factions consider the Pure Ones as inconsequential due to their unwillingness to deal with their potential allies.
Ties with dominion rulers:
Count Heinrich Oesterhaus is the only dominion ruler supporting this faction. His support is likely tied to Hattian secessionism, although it is not clear whether the Count actually supports the secessionists or merely wants to remain in their favour, as he actually does not publicly commit to their ideology.
Important Senators:
Tobias Von Richter16,
Alkybiades Nemeicus17
15 senators
The Empire
is as
good as
the worst
of its
rulers. It
is therefore
our duty
to improve
on the
quality of
the Senate
first of
all. An
Empire has
no value
in itself,
no more
than a
box full
of many
things. The
name “Empire”
gives no
clue on
either the
value of
the box
or of
the things
it holds
inside.
-
Archduke Teng,
Senator of
the Philosophers
Ideology: Anti-interventionists, pacifists
The Philosophers faction is a pacifist group, led traditionally by the Ochalean ruling family. They oppose the traditional imperialist policies of the Thyatian Emperors, calling for the establishment of cooperation and alliance policies with foreign nations, with the aim of bringing them peacefully within the Thyatian sphere of influence. Some members of this faction also aim at obtaining more autonomy from central government for areas that have widely different culture, such as Ochalea, the Pearl Islands and the County of Vyalia. The Philosophers are opposed to political involvement of the Church of Thyatis, and more in general oppose the aggressive attitude of the Gens Aurelia. Their members range from moderate conservatives to moderate progressives.
Allies:
Internally, the Philosophers have few allies
beyond Ochalea and the Pearl Islands, where they are the dominant
faction. Abroad, they
maintain cordial relations with nations and rulers allied with
Thyatis, such as the Elven Kingdom of Wendar.
Enemies:
Gens
Aurelia,
Republicans,
Pure
Ones
They boast
how they
don’t
want religion
meddling into
politics. But
it’s
just that
they don’t
want OUR
religion
meddling into
politics. If
they had
our power,
they would
use it
exactly like
us. It
is not
our fault
that their
ideas are
not as
popular with
the citizens
of the
Empire. So
they try
and pretend
that OUR
religion has
no place
in the
Senate, that
WE shouldn’t
influence the
Empire with
the ideas
of the
Church of
Thyatis. That
is Koryis’s
philosophy - if
you can’t
beat a
chariot on
the tracks,
ask the
referees to
disqualify
it!
-
Archduke Derentarius
of Terentias
The Philosophers oppose the Republicans for their destructive ideas, and the Gens Aurelia for their closeness to Thyatis’ religious establishment. Their dislike of the ultra-nationalist and racist Pure Ones is all too evident. They are also on a cold neutrality with the Gens Zendrolian, due to their militant stance.
Otherwise, they are friendly with the Populares, although their relations are occasionally strained by the Populares support of certain Republican elements, and with the Gens Sergia, which shares a similar moderate attitude, although the Philosophers tend to see themselves as moderate progressives rather than moderate conservatives.
Ties with dominion
rulers:
Besides the Archdukes of Ochalea and the
Pearl Islands, the Vyalia elves’ and Countess Sabrina
Andreana’s representatives in the Senate generally support the
Philosopher faction. In the case of the Countess, this is likely due
to the wealth of her dominion and its proximity to the borders, which
make the Halathians less willing to enter wars than the average
Thyatian citizen.
Important Senators:
Arch-Duke Teng Lin Dieu,
Arch-Duke Nurokidu Nuar, Baralidu Nuar
7 senators
Today we want, with our vote, to set in history a choice painful yet full of righteousness and significance, which goes beyond the limits of the understanding of some citizens and senators in this hall. Our homeland, Thyatis, must take precedence over all personal or partisan interests!
- Senator Canolocarius, trying to justify a sudden change of opinions
Ideology: none.
These senators do not feel part of the other factions, but their support often proves critical in close votes, and thus they are influential beyond their apparent numbers. Canolocarius, the most prominent member of this group, likes to consider himself a power broker of sorts. Most of the members of this group are quite greedy, and ready to sell their votes to the highest bidder, or at the very least to negotiate their support in exchange for benefits to themselves (and their constituency, in the case of elective Senators).
Allies:
Free Thinkers’ allies tend to change often, as the Free Thinker Senators avidly look for political support -- most of them are elective Senators, and must periodically face elections.
Important
Senators:
Angelarian
Canolocarius
The Free Thinkers are, by definition, neutral towards all other factions, although they usually side with the richest and more powerful while at the same time flirting with the underdogs.
38 senators
An honest,
common citizen
of the
Empire who
would like
to help
his or
her country
has only
one means:
get elected
to the
Senate. We
Populares are
not of
a single
mind, and
it is
for the
best: among
us there
are men
and women
of every
nationality, wealth,
rank and
position inside
the Empire.
We are
those who
best represent
the Empire
in all
its aspects.
Some of
us are
union workers
close to
the Republicans,
others
are scholars
and enlightened
rulers close
to Sergii
and Philosophers,
others
are close
to merchant
families and
artisans. But
we all
share this
view of
the Empire:
that the
common citizen
is the
backbone of
the Empire,
not those
stiff, powermongering
aristocrats sitting
at the
other end
of this
Senate.
- Publio
Kelophorios,
elected Populares
Senator from
Actius
Ideology: Progressivism
This faction is composed of the most influential "progressives" in Thyatis, and especially opposes interferences in the Senate politics by external forces (Church and Emperor); similar to the Philosophers, they do not favor expansion politics, and currently they want to open more friendly policies towards other nations, although they focus more on the respect of Thyatis' imperial rights, and most of them do not subscribe to the autonomist views of many Philosophers -- some of them actually push for greater integration of remote areas in the Thyatian culture. The Populares are a contradictory group, with some of their members bordering the Republican extremism, and others very close to the Gens Aemilia.
Allies:
Depending on their current policies, the Populares sometimes court Republicans, Gens Aemilia and Free Thinkers for support. However, most of their true allies come from the mercantile class -- rich merchants like the Viator family are the backbone of Populares strength. The Populares also have ties outside the Empire, mostly with trade partners of the Empire, such as the Minrothad Guilds.
Enemies:
Gens
Zendrolian,
Gens
Aurelia
Well well,
if the
Populares are
the future
of the
Empire, that
shows why
the future
is not
looking too
bright. I’ve
never seen
such an
opportunistic
rabble. The
aristocrats
divide
themselves on
every small
issue, that’s
true enough,
and plain
stupid, if
you ask
me. But
at least
it’s
honest, from
an ideological
point of
view. The
Populares stay
close together
- merchants and
workers,
guildmen and
private
enterpreneurs…
But just
in order
to reap
some benefit
in the
Senate for
the groups
that back
them. And
they are
willing to
go so
low as
to ask
for help
from the
Republicans and
so-called
Free Thinkers
to achieve
their goals.
-
Duke Callastian
Retebius, Senator
of the
Gens Zendrolian
The Populares oppose the conservative nationalists. Their relations with other parties vary depending on the current stance of the majority of the Populares, although they are usually friendly or neutral towards all except the Pure Ones, who are seen as ineffectual and useful only to draw some support away from the Gentes Zendrolian and Aurelia.
Ties with dominion rulers:
Although it might seem contradictory, several dominion rulers, such as Duke Leonidas Ruggiero and Duke Callastian Jowdynites support the faction. These are mostly homines novi coming from the ranks of the military or wealthy businessmen who bought into dominion rulership after the Spike Assault crisis, so they feel no loyalty towards the Optimates. Besides, their own dominions are populated by hard-working folk who resent the overtaxation and exploitation imposed by the Emperor’s war efforts, so supporting the Populares faction helps stabilizing their own rulership.
Important Senators:
Seline
Valleides (taleswoman of the Populares), Corus Viator, Leonorius
Kelophorios, Appius Glantri.
5
senators
There
is
no
need for
an Emperor.
No need
for an
Empire. The
Senate is
pointing the
way to
the necessary
future of
our country:
a Republic,
all
of elected
representatives.
And there
is nothing
any of
you can
say to
prevent us
to
bring this
idea to
the people,
so long
as we
follow the
letter of
the law.
Last time
we needed
a foreign
mercenary to
save the
throne. But
the next
time, maybe,
our time
will come.
-
Senator of
the Republicans
Ideology: Republicanism.
The
Republicans
are
extremist
thinkers
who
want
to
drastically
alter
the
Empire's
government
and
substitute
it
with
a
Republic.
Many
are
ideal
disciples
of
Fabritius
Luscinia,
a
subversive
and
political
thinker
of
the
X
century
who
authored
a
seminal
treatise,
“The Republic of
Thyatis”, which sparked first a debate and later on a number of
rebellions which ended with Luscinia’s
exile and then his death at the hands of the Phorsis Guard in the
Marilenev Rebellion against Duke Stefan Karameikos III.
At
this
point,
the
Republicans
in
Thyatis
had morphed into a true
political party, with an internal organization, a statute and a legal
status.
All of the Republican Senators are elected, except the occasional eccentric aristocrat -- the Emperor would never select a member of this faction as a meritory Senator, and aristocratic families with similar tendencies were excluded from the Senate in Luscinia’s times.
Allies:
They are
often
excessive, I
know, but
not everything
they say
is always
wrong. You
know, when
the Republicans
start to
get too
much support
among the
citizens, then
it means
that the
aristocrats are
getting too
much power,
or that
the Emperor
is thinking
too little
about the
common
citizens. And
it’s
when that
happens, that
we Populares
step in,
and, taking
the hint,
if we
make the
right proposal
we can
save the
situation. Only
problem is,
those
Republican
muttonheads end
up complaining
that we
save the
Empire when
they’d
prefer to
have a
revolution. But
since they
can’t
have a
revolution, and
know it,
in the
end we
get along
well.
-
Senator of
the Populares
None, although the Populares are sometimes close to the Republicans, especially when a weak Emperor seats on the throne. Outside the Empire, the Republicans have maintained some ties with the Traladaran insurgents, due to the involvement of Republican exiles in the Marilenev rebellion. Also, several exiled Republicans live in Specularum, Darokin, and Glantri City.
Enemies:
Optimates,
Philosophers
The Republicans oppose all Optimates factions, as well as the conservative Philosophers. They try to sway the Populares to their side, and have no special consideration of either the Pure Ones or the Free Thinkers.
Ties with dominion rulers:
No dominion ruler sides with this faction, since one of the goals of the faction is to replace the Emperor and the dominion rulers with elected officials.
Important Senators:
Darian Lentulus18,
Tiberius Traianus19
1 See James Ruhland's "History of the Thyatian People"
2 Analogous to the Salic law of the Frankish feudal system in the real world.
3 Ixion
4 See “History of the Savage Baronies”, Tim Beach and Bruce Heard, in “Savage Coast Campaign Book”, http://pandius.com/savbaro.html.
5 In “Dawn of the Emperors” the Senate was said to have 200 representatives, but a system was presented that provided only 49 senators in all: “Each city (pop. 15,000 or more) elects two Senators (20 senators); each duke or count ruling a dominion choses one Senator (18 senators); each alliance of ten or more towns (pop. 1,000 or more) not belonging to a dominion elects one Senator.”
6 Originally, in “Dawn of the Emperors”, only Counts and Dukes sent representatives to the Senate. See also Note 5 above.
7 This includes: 1 senator for the Protectorates of Sclaras, Borydos and Carytion; 1 senator for the Western Imperial Territories; 1 senator for the Central Imperial Territories; 1 senator for Redstone & surroundings; 1 senator for West Portage & Central Isle of Dawn; 1 senator for the Shadow Coast; 1 senator from the Thyatian Hinterlands.
8 With the exception of the Republicans, see below.
9 Gens (family), plural Gentes. They can be called either “Gens Aemilia” or “Aemilii”, “Gens Sergia” or “Sergii”, etc.
10 The head of a family in Thyatis is called pater familias (“father of the family”) or mater familias (“mother of the family”).
11 Representative of Gilla Blyskarats, Baroness of Burohur
12 Elected Senator from Thyatis City. See modules DDA1 and DDA2.
13 Commander of the Thyatian Cavalry Officers School in Kerendas.
14 Representing Count Baldassarre Patrizio at the Senate.
15 Thincol’s chief advisor in matters of magic holds a meritory seat in the Senate.
16 Count Heinrich’s representative at the Senate
17 A former general and meritory Senator
18 The odd noble-turned-republican from an old, empoverished and bitter family.
19 Secretary of the Kantrium Chapter of the Republican Party, one of the biggest in the Empire.