So, you've
decided to emigrate to the far-flung Constainian Empire, or perhaps you
merely wish to sojourn here for a time. In either case, a basic understanding
of the structure, society, and culture of the Empire shall be crucial to
you. In this brochure you will find a very basic introduction to
the Empire and its workings. On account of the informational limitations
automatically set upon this form of media, please contact your local Embassy
for answers to any questions you may have and for customs and travel information.
A Basic History
and Structure of the Empire
Founded in 279 AI by the dread privateer
‘Bob’ Roberts IV, the Empire has expanded from its humble beginning on
a single planet to encompass 584 star systems. Currently, the Constainian
Empire is ruled as an absolute beneviolent monarchy by the Empress Sarah
I.
The Magnus
The Magnus is an advisory body to
the Crown composed of the Royal classes, the Militia Commanders, the Guildmasters,
the Magistrates, and the Council of Independent Agencies. Although
certain powers have been granted it for reasons of efficiency and expedience,
Her Majesty retains the power to overrule and disregard the Magnus.
The Royal Classes
The Royal classes are non-hereditary
titles granted by the Crown. They control the Greater Divisions of
the Imperial Lands.
• Grand Duke/Duchess
The highest class below the
Empress and the only class having a specific limit, the four Grand Duchesses
and Grand Dukes hold the lands of the Original Quadrants.
• Margrave/Margravine
The middle class of the Royalty,
the Margraves govern the BorderLands.
• Count-Palatine
As the Conquered Lands require
a firm hand, the Counts-Palatine oversee various regions of unrest.
The High Nobility
As with the Royal classes, the High
Noble titles are also non-hereditary and Imperially bestowed. These
control star systems and are usually found in districts under the overarching
governance of Royalty.
• Duke/Duchess
• Marquisse/Marchioness
• Count/Countess
The Minor Nobility
The Minor Noble classes are an oddity
in the Empire, as certain titles are permitted to be hereditary.
Usually these hereditary titles are found in the Outlying Territories and
in the Conquered Lands as a placating remnant of the conquered. Of
course, they are always under the eye of either the High Nobility or the
Royalty, in some instances, both.
• Viscomte/Viscomtess
• Baron/Baroness
• Baronet
The Knightly Orders
Knighthoods are conferred solely
upon merit, are non-hereditary, and are conferred by either the Order itself
or by the Crown, as per the Writ of each Order.
The Military
In keeping with the tradition and
requirements of a large interstellar Empire, the Constainian Militia is
both large and diverse. There are five major divisions of the Militia:
• Ground Forces
• Air Corps
• Space Force
• Mecha Corps
• Bolo Corps
There are also Special Operations
corollaries to each of the above divisions. Special Operations and
the ICIICSF are completely independent of the standard Militia divisions.
The Guilds
The Guilds, many and varied though
they are, do share some common functions. They are in charge of overseeing
the production, quality control, and distribution of their various services
and products throughout the Empire, as well as the licensing of their respective
practitioners.
The Bureaus
As one might presume from the name,
the Bureaus hold sway over a multitude of day-to-day functions in the Empire,
such as public relations and provisioning.
The Independent Agencies
The Council of Independent Agencies
provides guidance and support, as well as representation in the Magnus,
for a wide variety of specialties with influences both internal and external
to the Empire. The Imperial Academies are especially well-known for
their excellence.
ICBDP&PR Publication #3247-25-FSC
Imperial Bureau of Diplomacy, Propaganda,
and Public Relations