Something Borrowed
Imperial Conclave
OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION
- Intent: To introduce the Commonwealth’s aristocratic scene.
- Image Credit: Midjourney | Photoshop by Me
- Canon: N/A
- Permissions: N/A
- Links: N/A
- Organization Name: Imperial Conclave
- Classification: Aristocratic Assembly / Political Body
- Affiliation: Imperial Commonwealth of Dosuun
- Organization Symbol: The Imperial Conclave's symbol is a golden laurel wreath encircling a crowned star, set against a crimson field.
- The golden laurel wreath represents tradition, honor, and the noble heritage of the Commonwealth's aristocracy and leadership.
- The crowned star symbolizes the authority of the High Basileus and the Conclave's sacred duty to ensure the continuity of stable leadership.
- The crimson background evokes the Commonwealth’s imperial roots, reflecting strength, sacrifice, and the bloodlines that have shaped the nation.
- The symbol is often embossed on official documents, banners within Conclave chambers, and the signet rings worn by senior Conclave members. Prominent estates belonging to Conclave families frequently display this emblem as a mark of status and power.
- Description: The Imperial Conclave is the powerful assembly of aristocrats, noble houses, and high-ranking officials responsible for influencing policy and shaping the Commonwealth's political landscape. As a forum for strategic alliances, quiet rivalries, and high-stakes negotiations, the Conclave blends the Commonwealth's rich heritage with pragmatic political maneuvering.
Membership in the Conclave is drawn from the Commonwealth's most prestigious families, influential merchant guilds, and military elites. While its primary purpose is to advise the Crown and Grand Vizier, its most critical role emerges during succession crises — in the absence of heirs from the reigning High Basileus' house, the Conclave convenes to elect a new ruler from among eligible noble bloodlines.
Power is earned through status, wealth, and strategic alliances. Members vie for influence, forging coalitions and navigating intricate webs of loyalty to steer the Commonwealth's future. With no direct legislative power, the Conclave instead shapes policy by leveraging its social clout, economic ties, and military influence.
The Conclave’s chambers are a place of whispers and ambition — where fortunes are secured, alliances are sealed, and the fate of the Commonwealth is quietly decided.
- Headquarters: Avalonia, Dosuun — The Conclave meets in the Hall of the Imperial Conclave, a grand structure within Avalonia’s political district, distinct from the Commonwealth Assembly chambers. The Hall is an opulent meeting place, adorned with relics of Commonwealth and First Order history, symbolizing power, heritage, and influence.
- Domain: The Imperial Conclave holds no formal territory but wields immense social and political influence across all Commonwealth provinces and sectors. While they have no military authority, their influence reaches deep into planetary leadership, trade, and high society. Governors, aristocrats, and military officers are often deeply entwined with Conclave politics, giving them quiet control over policy and lawmaking.
- Notable Assets: Includes but is not limited to.
- Hall of the Imperial Conclave – A fortified, prestigious structure where key negotiations, alliances, and succession deliberations are held. The Hall houses the Conclave archives — a treasure trove of records detailing noble bloodlines, trade treaties, and political agreements.
- The Conclave Estates – Private estates located throughout the Commonwealth where influential members host diplomatic functions, feasts, and political gatherings, further reinforcing their influence.
- The Crown Archives – A curated historical library of Commonwealth aristocracy, charting noble lineages, alliances, and marriages to track influential bloodlines for future High Basileus candidates.
- Hierarchy: The Imperial Conclave operates under a structured yet informal hierarchy based on social rank, political influence, and bloodline prestige. The highest-ranking members are titled Askeri, typically drawn from noble families with long-standing Commonwealth ties. Beneath them are Elders, prominent aristocrats and retired officials who serve as advisors. The majority of the Conclave's membership is comprised of Patricians, influential figures such as governors, trade leaders, and military officers. During succession crises or in the absence of an heir, the Exarchs convene as the Council of Electors, tasked with selecting the next High Basileus from qualified candidates.
- Membership: Membership in the Imperial Conclave is by invitation only and is generally restricted to aristocratic families, influential trade magnates, and high-ranking military figures. Wealth, power, and lineage are primary factors in acceptance. Members are expected to demonstrate loyalty to the Commonwealth and show their commitment to maintaining stability and order. Prospective members may be “sponsored” by an existing Conclave member and must undergo a formal presentation at the Hall of the Imperial Conclave. New members must swear an oath to uphold the Commonwealth’s sovereignty and pledge their loyalty to the High Basileus. [OOC, ask me!]
- Climate: The Imperial Conclave is a web of alliances, negotiations, and quiet rivalries. While diplomacy and tradition are the cornerstones of Conclave interactions, power plays, backroom deals, and maneuvering are common. Betrayal is rare but never impossible, as each member seeks to expand their influence. The atmosphere is one of cold civility — cordial but calculated, with members always seeking an advantage.
- Reputation: The Conclave is respected for its stabilizing influence and its role in preserving Commonwealth traditions. However, outsiders often view its members as elitist, aloof, and power-hungry. While most Conclave members present themselves as guardians of order and prosperity, some critics see them as manipulators who hoard wealth and influence.
- Curios: Members of the Conclave wear a Signet of the Conclave, a finely crafted gold ring set with a crimson gem engraved with the emblem of the Commonwealth Star. This symbol marks their status and grants them access to restricted political spaces and exclusive social circles.
- Rules: The Conclave adheres to a strict code of conduct known as the Articles of Continuance, emphasizing:
- Loyalty to the Crown: Members must defend the authority of the High Basileus.
- Preservation of Order: The Conclave’s influence must always support stability within the Commonwealth.
- Defense of Bloodlines: Noble families are expected to foster alliances through marriage and diplomacy to maintain their influence.
- Goals: The Conclave’s primary goal is to secure the Commonwealth’s political stability and economic strength. They promote trade alliances, control succession politics, and ensure the preservation of noble influence. While expanding the Commonwealth’s territory is often supported, the Conclave's primary interest is maintaining dominance over trade, wealth, and leadership succession.
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HISTORICAL INFORMATION
The Imperial Conclave traces its origins to the aftermath of the Fall of Dosuun and the First Order’s fragmentation. As the First Order collapsed, prominent aristocratic families, military leaders, and influential trade guilds recognized the need for a stable political body to preserve what remained of their power and legacy.
Founding and Early Years
Following Ivalyn Yvarro's ascent to High Representative, the Conclave began to expand its influence. Wealthy trade houses, noble families, and corporate dynasties all maneuvered for membership, understanding the power the Conclave held in shaping policy, electing leadership, and influencing Commonwealth law. The Conclave became the bastion of Commonwealth aristocracy, and its presence ensured that the Commonwealth’s expansionist ambitions aligned with the interests of its wealthiest families.
When Ivalyn Yvarro emerged as the Grand Vizier, she formalized the Conclave’s role, granting it the authority to oversee succession should the High Basileus fall without an heir. This decision cemented the Conclave as a permanent institution within the Commonwealth's political framework.
The Rise of the Conclave’s Power
As Ivalyn's rule continued. Wealthy trade houses, noble families, and corporate dynasties all maneuvered for membership, understanding the power the Conclave held in shaping policy, electing leadership, and influencing Commonwealth law. The Conclave became the bastion of Commonwealth aristocracy, and its presence ensured that the Commonwealth’s expansionist ambitions aligned with the interests of its wealthiest families.
During the 902 ABY Reformation, the Conclave took on a new political role. Recognizing the need to stabilize territories as they became annexed, the Conclave extended its authority to mediate disputes between provincial governors and trade guilds. This cemented the Conclave’s place as a powerful intermediary, blending political influence with economic dominance.
Present-Day Role
Today, the Imperial Conclave is seen as both a stabilizing force and a power-hungry elite class. While it functions as a political advisory body, its members actively leverage their wealth and influence to control trade, influence laws, and shape the Commonwealth’s military and diplomatic policies.
Most notably, the Conclave’s role as Council of Electors ensures its members hold significant influence in Commonwealth politics. In the event the ruling High Basileus dies without an heir, the Conclave is tasked with selecting a successor from the Commonwealth’s elite. This power keeps the Conclave as one of the most formidable institutions in the Commonwealth’s political landscape — a vital yet controversial force that preserves order while protecting the interests of its most powerful members.
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