[h1]Appendix A: Political system of the Empire[/h1]

Empire is a feudal monarchy, lead by the Emperor who is also the Head of the Royal House. The Emperor is accompanied by Great Noble Houses who are sworn to provide levies, duties and other services.

The Great Imperial Charter regulates obligations and privileges of all citizens of the Empire. It was written to prevent the Emperor taking all the power and turn into a tyrant but it also regulates the obligations of the Noble Houses to assure the prosperity of the Empire. Noble Houses and the Emperor enjoy the status quo of the system and aim to not upset the delicate political balance.

Each house sponsors one fleet and fill it with officers loyal to their house. Under normal circumstances all fleets are controlled by the High Command directly under the control of the Emperor but if a noble house decides they can overrule the imperial orders and take back the control of the fleet they sponsor to their house direct command. Such action might or might not be viewed as a violation of the Great Imperial Charter so Great Houses are hesitant to use that option unless they have a strong political backing or are ready to start the rebellion against the Emperor.