Imperium (Istania)
The Imperium is the highest order of nobility in the land, and essentially encompasses all legitimate descendants of the first Imperator. Over the course of one and a half millennia, the Imperium has grown to a rather significant number. The Imperium hold hereditary rights to various city offices in Παραίσθηση and enjoy a number of other privileges throughout the Empire. However, once named as a potential heir, a member of the Imperium must give up all other titles and possessions and join the Imperial household. Moreover, no member of the Imperium may hold offices in any of the outlying provinces - and there are many - and only first and second degree relatives of the current Imperator are eligible to become even potential heirs. Thus, the power of the lineage has never been brought to bear against a sitting Imperator, and the Imperium are essentially free of the threat of Imperial purges to destroy powerful rivals and their descendants.
