NationStates Jolt Archive

The Holy and Apostolic Empire of Mankind

The Empire of Mankind is a massive sprawling system of interconnected nations, ruled by a variety of different administrations, from tribal democracies to hereditary monarchies. It is ruled by an Emperor, who controls a central almost federal civil and military power. Upon the death of the previous incumbent traditionally 15 electors convene in an extraordinary senate to elect new Emperor. Though it usually is, it does not have to be, a member of the electors. Once an Emperor is chosen the states usually return to a high degree of autonomy, especially as the electors are wont to choose a pliant subject who will not interfere unduly in their affairs.

Every 5 years after that the electors and 10 other state leaders chosen in rotation meet in a senate to discuss unified state policy. Extraordinary senates can in theory be called at any time, but if 5 of the leaders or proxies refuse to meet at it, its declarations are not considered binding.

Leaders of state, and even electors cannot be called a king within the empire excepting the King of Neu-Böhem who by tradition holds the title. However they are allowed to own and rule over other territory outside the empire, even to the extent that their primary territory exceeds the size and/or wealth of their imperial holding.

Though the empire is culturally diverse the overall appearance of its people and culture is reminiscent of both the prevailing culture of the Holy Roman Empire, and the end of the 19th century Austro-Hungarian Empire.

The 15 Electors of the Empire of Mankind are the following.

5 Elector Houses
5 Religious Electors
3 Free Cities
2 Knights Conclave

5 Royal Electors: [1-5]
- House of Morraine
- House of Reichnau-Arckute
- House of Neu-Böhem
- House of Hallburg
- House of the Thorn

5 Ecclesiastical Electors [6-10]
- Archbishop of Krier
- Papal Authority
- Archbishop of Oschweicim
- Prince-Abbot of the Hennacites
- Rex-Provost of Olomütz

5 Popular Electors [11-15]
- Imperial City of Brn
- Free City of Nahrisch-Neustadt
- Free City of Berngard
- Apostate-Knights of the Ǽther
- Imperial Knight Sanctum


The current political situation within the empire is one on nominal stability, though its continued expansion brings it into conflict with nations it attempts to absorb and its member states who compete for newly opened systems.

At this point in time the Emperor has recently passed away, each new Emperor marks a new age and it falls once again to the electors to choose the direction it takes.

OOC:When I get this place up and running, any nation who can see eye to eye with essentially a monarchal state can feel free to attempt to marry into the establishment.

The United Socialist States of New Brittonia would like to establish diplomatic relations with The Holy and Apostolic Empire of Mankind.

Signed,
Foreign Minister of the United Socialist States of New Brittonia
Sarah Lynch

1. House of Morraine

Head: Duke Cobal
Monarchal Control:
Lombad System [Full System]
Herod System [Excluding Terrestrial Planets]
Pivot System [Jointly with Papal Authority]
House Control:
Kasinsky Orbitals [System Lacks Terrestrials]
Eadan [Full Planet Control]
Current Familial Control
Pro-Consol of the Heliod Directorate
President of Ashers Union
Head of the Control Council of Disputed System Claims

One of the oldest of the houses, Morraine significantly predates the founding of the empire. Its members are very proud that one of their own has held the position of Emperor slightly more times than any other house. For centuries Morraine held the position almost uninterruptedly until a political cataclysm in part brought about by the Morraine Emperors political and military incompetence led to decades of internal.

Now, nearly 200 years later Morraine, though not untarnished, has recovered its good name. Still associated with the golden ages of the historical empire its members are extremely wealthy and spread across a number of states in a complex web of familial control. Though its foundation was on a heavily populated planet, over the centuries and through many upheavals the house has managed to arrange total family control, something no other house has managed and is the source of much admiration and envy.

Its head, Duke Cobal is not a monarch in any of the recognized states, his position stems solely from the control he exerts over the house. Among its most notable possessions are the Pivot system which is home to the significant religious power of the Papal Authority, and in a very recent legal coup the house achieved effective control over the normally strictly imperial Control Council of Disputed System Claims, who direct the distribution of, usually mineral, assets in newly opened systems. This has caused considerable tension with the other Houses, and recently a number of lesser houses attached to Morraine have distanced themselves, fearing they would bear the brunt of any reprisals.

2. House of Reichnau-Arckute

Head: Earl Cobal
Monarchal Control:
Arckute System [Excl Neutral Oort Territory]
Kedovac System
Shurnguard System [2 Terrestrial Planets, 1 Giant]
House Control:
Arckute Straits [Erde, Arckute System]
Xiu Plateau [Erde, Arckute System]
Shurnguard Defense
Current Familial Control
CEO Hammond Investments [3rd largest employer]
Chairman General Transport [Major Gate Producer]
Senior Member Unitary Defense Council
Arch-Bishop of Krier

During the turmoil that prompted the formation of the Empire of Mankind the two great Houses of Arckute, and the arguably weaker Reichnau vied for control of the system that housed them both. Though no serious military campaign was waged by either side, they did not refrain from the use of deadly force to attempt to achieve their goals, however after nearly 100 years of violent stalemate the House of Arckute realized that whilst they had stood still trying to wrest control of the system from their rivals, Reichnau had secured control of the neighboring Kedovac system, and a firm alliance with the fledgling Hallburg family for partial control of the eminently habitable Shurnguard system. In desperation Arkute forces broke the unspoken agreement of the long combat and marched on the lush Xiu Plateau the historical home of the Reichnau. With the Arkute holding both the homeland and many of the most important figures in the Reichnau family the following negotiations finally gave Arckute control of the system.

Though in the following years they had many chances to retaliate, and for a long time war seemed inevitable it never came, and slowly the Reichnau and Arkute families, attempting to ensure a firmer peace in the next generation, merged. Though even now, hundreds of years after the events, tension between the two distinct halves of the house still exist, they have gained the reputation for shrewd diplomacy, and a penchant for peace through marriage.

Excluding their recent corporate successes, House Reichnau-Arckute, does not posses as much industrial might has the houses of Morraine or Hallburg, but its large population, diplomatic strength and restless standing army make it a force to be reckoned with.

3. House of Neu-Böhem

Head: King Aulrick
Monarchal Control:
Neu-Böhem System
House Control:
Böhemian Mining Operations
The Northern Institute [Premier Seat Of Learning]
Familial Control:
Archbishop of Oschweicim

Neu-Böhem is a small but important state within the empire, its people are strongly devoted to the ruling house, and little civil or military unrest allows the system to flourish culturally and scientifically.

Though the system joined significantly after the formation of the Empire it is home to several important religious, cultural and scientific institutions that have give it an important role in the life of the peoples of the empire. This doesn’t reliably translate into power over the other houses however, and the King of Neu-Böhem has not often been chosen as Emperor.

4. House of Hallburg

Head: Prince Gornoff
Monarchal Control:
Hallburg System
Shurnguard System [Excl Reichnau-Arckute Claims]
Helm System [Fringe System]
Callon System [Awaiting Dispute Resolution]
House Control:
Hallburg Industrials
Shurnguard Industrials
Helm Industrials
Familial Control
CEO Kenson&Kedovac Alloys
CEO Boron Corp
CEO Helm Investments

The last monarchal elector to join the empire the house of Hallburg has historically dominated the industrial centers. Though it has rarely excelled in military endeavor its massive leverage over not only the other houses, but the other non-electing nations as well have allowed it roll past conflicts that have consumed others.
Many of the other monarchal electors, particularly the house of Morraine look down upon what they see as the relatively low activities of Hallburgs holdings, this has further inflamed tensions between the two houses as Morraine is now in control of the administrative body that will decide the distribution of the newly opened Callon System. Many fear that Morraine will take the chance to try and begin to match Hallburgs industrial output by awarding the system themselves, which would almost certainly lead to war between the two houses.

5. House of the Thorn

Head: Prince Vincii
Monarchal Control:
The Disparate Peoples
House Control:
The Thorn Fleets

Though at first glance the House of the Thorn would seem insignificant compared to the great wealth of Morraine, or the industrial power of Hallburg, but it possess the strongest and most ruthless army within the empire. The Thorn joined the empire at its inception, and from that time to the modern day it has held sway over the shifting edges of the empire, holding back threats from both pirates and other nations.

It has never ruled over a clearly defined nation, but is content to establish government in the far reaches, a thankless, but richly rewarding task. One of most important functions has been to enter new systems and establish contact and gateways systems to allow full scale exploitation, usually for a small consideration for their trouble. This has lead to almost total Thorn control over the extensive gate system within the empire, and allows them to amass massive wealth with which to extend their fleets and to garnish their lavish but secretive lifestyle. In contrast to the other houses which rarely cease socializing and holding important state functions, the Thorn are rarely seen outside the Senate, and their arrival is a sign of trouble, either in the form of invasion or a tax hike.

6. Archbishop of Krier

Current Archbishop: Alexis Carnolov
Estimated Followers: 700M

The Archbishop of Krier is the highest authority in the hierarchy of the Krieran church. Who controls not only the vast estates of the church, but the hearts and minds of its followers, who are spread throughout the empire.

The church was established in direct opposition to the Papal Authority, for many years the only recognized religion, to this day this causes considerable tension between the two. The Archbishop is chosen by a cabal of high bishops upon the death of the previous incumbent, this is not often a high house member, but the senior position within house Reichnau-Arckute gives them strong mutual ties, and control.

The politics of the house are rather liberal, they are unwilling to stir up controversy on any subject, and usually confine themselves to helping the poor and needy within their parishes, however they have in the past stood up to social change, and though they have not done so for decades it is possible for them to do so again.

7. Papal Authority

Current Pope: Benedictus XXVI
Estimated Followers: 1.7B

The oldest, richest, and largest of the religious factions within the empire, the Papal Authority once enjoyed total control over the common people. Now however it finds its power waning, its relatively conservative stance gives it a traditionally aging base, and a backwards image it has trouble shaking off.

Though it maintains an enormous network of churches, it also controls several sects of monks and nuns, and many institutes of religious study, in some smaller nations it is the only major source of education, and though it performs this duty more than adequately, many in power do everything they can to curb the papal authorities influence.

8. Archbishop of Oschweicim

Current Archbishop: Seat Vacated
Estimated Followers: 400M

Firmly centered in the life and administration of Neu-Böhem the church of Oschweicim was founded during the great schism of the Papal Authority. It quickly took hold and now has total sway in the area, without any hope of re-establishing control the Papal Authority, and most other sects, stay well away.

The House of Neu-Böhem is often entwined in the running of the church, to the point that some times the King has also held the position of Archbishop, although due to traditional constraints though the King can be canonized the Archbishop cannot be crowned, leading to some epic struggle of fraternal dominance.

Currently the church leads a steady life in the steady state, though the position of Archbishop has, for the last few years, been empty. The House of Neu-Böhem virtually controls the Council of Freemen who elect the next Archbishop, but even though an extraordinary senate is pending the pronounce a new Emperor, they have still resisted choosing a new incumbent.

9. Prince-Abbot of the Hennacites

Current Prince-Abbot: Herriman III
Estimated Followers: 200M
Founded possible before the Papal Authority, the Hennacites have for a long time been purely a monastic religious order. However about 100 years after the schism in the church Abbot Allthax made the decision to increase the churches interaction with the wider world. Though to this day they choose to exert little power of interstate politics their followers hold them in extremely high regard, and where ever they found a monastery a productive community is sure to follow.

This makes them favored by the Hallburg who often use their influence to settle restless colonies far from terrestrial planets. Their philosophy is one of dedication to the worship of god, and though in that respect they could be considered very hard line, their habit of not concerning themselves with wider social issues makes them a neutral force in moral conflicts.

10. Rex-Provost of Olomütz

Current Provost: Karl Ignacius VIII
Estimated Followers: 300M

The Northern Orthodox Church, centered around the palace at Olomütz is probably the most conservative of the churches. Its services and practices are arcane, and its followers devoted and xenophobic. Though it exerts significant influence over the minor nations of the northern territories it is lightly known outside its stronghold, most citizens of the empire know nothing about its philosophy or practices.

However its strength lies in the fact that, if it can be said to have one, Northern Orthodox is the chosen religion of the people under the Thorns protection. Though the senior house members do not subscribe to the religion it is said that in the heart of the common foot soldier the Thorn and Olomütz are intertwined.

11. Imperial City of Brn

Head: Mayor Ailfred

Located just off the Xui Plateau, in the heart of the Arckute system, the Imperial City of Brn is a centre for trade in the finest of luxury goods. It has long held a culture of emancipation and capitalism which has allowed it to flourish economically even during the hardest of times. Though this sometimes lead to envy and suspicion from other less fortunate parties Brn has recognize imperial protection from annexation.

In an effort to appease the populace masses Brn was given the title of elector, and a commoner is usually elected as mayor by a popular vote. This is seem as one of the ways in which the people directly influence the empire.

12. Free City of Nahrisch-Neustadt

Head: Governor Hebbert

The sprawling city, that includes in its control a complex series of orbitals above the planet, is located on the primary terrestrial planet in the Herod system. Whilst in times past the Morraine family has dictated the position of governor to the people, for more than a hundred years now the position has been filled by popular ballot of land owners within the city.

Much of the cities wealth stems from trade with neighbors for its bounteous agricultural production, and it is known as a centre of culinary excellence and natural beauty, though restriction in development limit its population, it has partly become an enclave for the very rich, seeking a tranquil retreat.

13. Free City of Berngard

Head: Prime Minister Kalonoff

Though barely distinguishable as a city in the traditional sense, this civilian instillation is located through the asteroid belt of the Bern System. It was granted imperial charter after an acrimonious dispute between two now dead houses. Its rich mineral wealth has attracted prospectors and industrialists from around the empire hoping to make a fortune. It is seen as a land of opportunity and toil, though its complex democratic government manage to keep the peace in most areas.

The city often nears outright conflict with Hallburg of shipping tariffs into other systems as, unlike many places, the gates are controlled by Hallburg rather than the Thorn. Often greedy Princes have tried to squeeze Berngard for some extra cash, and the general populace hate and revile not only Hallburg but the very idea of the Monarchy, making them an international source of republican discontent.

14. Apostate-Knights of the Ǽther

Head: Traditionally Secret

Their roving headquarters matches their roving attitude, the highly religious and secretive Knights conclave operates and ruthlessly efficient military organization. It is said that many of greatest military leaders were clandestine members, and many postulate that this is the dominate faith of the reclusive upper echelons of the Thorn.

Though they make few direct administrative overtures, and seem to do little to influence the daily politick of the empire it is widely held that their favored method of control is to pull the strings of members behind the scenes. In the past this has lead to paranoia and with hunts among some societies, determined to root out hidden members within their midst, but to this day their membership and power is not known.

15. Imperial Knight Sanctum

Head: Lord General Bellvadiere

Traditionally ever male member of the Emperors family, born, or young enough, when he takes office, pass through the Imperial Knights training. It is both the highest military academy in the empire, and the imperial army’s administrative body. It has nominal control over all other armies within the empire, no matter who controls them, though it has little control over internal conflicts, and can sometimes suffer from a weak Lord General, appointed by a nepotistic Emperor.

The institution is hardly religious, and is constantly battling with obstructive petty princes when they try to exert the theoretical power over distant standing forces. The ability of the nation as a whole to wage war depends on the strength and competence of Lord General and those around him, making the Imperial Knights Sanctum one of the most important institutions for the nations continuation, if not politically.