Xheng Ranks
The Arch-Imperium of the Xheng Dynasty merges religion, culture, royalty, politics and military into a cohesive unique political form that transcends just the government but into the day to day lives of its citizens. There are many ranks that are used and the most important ones are covered here:
Diplomatic Ranks
Arch-Imperial Royal Representative
An official representative of highest rank, to a foreign government appointed by the Xheng Emperor. Only the Emperor may appoint an Arch-Imperial Royal Representative who is the official representative of the Emperor. This rank is entirely royal and does not ncorporate political power unless stated otherwise by the Emperor. Arch-Imperial Royal Representatives may be given full political authority to act as full Ambassadors to represent the Arch-Imperium.
High Commissioner
For overseas territories that are under Arch-Imperial control, the High Commissions are official offices of diplomats. The highest diplomat is the High Commissioner who acts as near equal to the Ambassadors of foreign nations. High Commissioners however have higher precedence to Ambassadors in meeting with the Emperor. Along with overseas High Commissioners, there are eight specific ones that represent the 8 Imperiums of the Arch-Imperium.
Ambassador
The most common diplomatic ranks and the most famous. Ambassadors are appointed to represent the Arch-Imperium to foreign nations. According to proper protocol, usually only a single Ambassador is appointed per nation. However there are cases where there may be more than one, there is usually a Chief Ambassador and a Deputy Ambassador.
Consul
Consuls oversee Consulates, smaller diplomatic missions throughout major metropolital areas overseas in other nations. In areas where High Comissions are used, then Comissions take the place of Consuls.
Ministers
Chief Minister
Chief Ministers are honorary ministers who have been appointed to a Chief Council. This is purely a peerage appointment chosen to grant a position of prestige to individuals who have served the Arch-Imperium. Currently there are 2012 Chief Ministers. Chief Ministers technically act as advisors to the Emperor but hold no true political power. There have been some cases where influential Chief Ministers have influenced public policy.
Minister General
A political and military rank. Minister Generals may be called upon to act as chiefs of staff and political officials for the Emperor and the Prime Minister should the need arise for marshal law. Usually if political apointees such as cabinet ministers refuse to act on behalf of marshal law, then a miltary general takes the responsibilities of that department and relieves the active minister.
Ministers of State
Ministers of State are prominent members of the Imperial Stratagem who are given a significant pay rise, as well as precedence of order. Ministers of State usually are assigned more media-related roles of significance that do not require direct cabinet portfolios.
Ministers of the Crown
A royal title bestoyed upon Ministers of state that promoted them to a higher sitting. Ministers of the Crown are able to discuss issues directly with the Emperor. Only the Emperor can appoint Ministers of the Crown. In tradition, Ministers of the Crown must previously be Ministers of state.
Royal Ranks
Royal Regent
The Emperor's delegated overseer of an Imperium. A Royal Regent may not even necessarily be of noble birth, or of the Xheng clan. However Royal Regents are appointed by their measure of loyalty. Often the Emperor may appoint two Royal Regents to oversee an Imperium. They function as de facto rulers of that particular Imperium and may not work well together which assures that the Emperor will maintain distant control.
Marquess/Marquis
The highest ranks of non-Xheng nobility. The 7 other Imperiums all have a Marquess as their political head of state. However, the Xheng Emperor appoints his own representative to the Imperium to assure that they are immediately under Xheng administration, military control and foreign dictation. Marquess' have significant political and military influence but they are overruled at all times by
Viscounts
There are a total of 8 Viscounts in the Arch-Imperium. Viscounts are the rulers of the 8 Imperiums. The Emperor too, is a Viscount but that title is not used since his role as Emperor is definately of higher significance. Viscounts are the leaders of the Imperiums, but Marquess' and Marquis' can overturn their decisions.
Crown Prince Regent
Designated heir successor of the Xheng Emperor. As Regent, the Crown Prince takes upon himself, political responsibilities as well as cultural, royal and military.
Links
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