Government Structure

At the head of the Empire is the Auger himself. Currently, Alexander V. Below him are powerful nobles, known as Graciumi and Duceps. The Graciumi govern over a region of the Empire, and are the most powerful landowners under the Emperor himself, albeit their power only extends to the dictation of law, rather than holding extensive manpower, with the army under the control of the Emperor; although they do have small personal forces under their control. These people are typically hereditary, but not in all cases, such as the Gracium of the River Tyius, who is a General appointed by the Emperor. The Duceps are captains, often over a castle or fort, appointed by the Graciumi of the region, with the Emperor’s approval. These two positions make up the vast majority of the Auresian nobility and the largest body in the Senate.

The Senate is mostly a defunct upper house of the Emperor, who would propose bills to them, although it is unknown in the current era for any real opposition to be made against these; they do theoretically have a veto over any laws with a simple majority. Finally, there is the Consul, the former head of the Republic, and the Cleric. The Consul elected by all free-men of Auresia, with members of the Senate as the candidates, while the Cleric is elected by the Bishops of the Church. Each of these are able to present bills to the Senate to be passed.

Law

The modern Auresian legal system is built upon the Codex Arecius, an extensive body of laws first compiled during the reign of Arecius I to unify the disparate laws of Poseia under his empire.

The legacy of the Clerical Age ensures that religion remains a central pillar of Auresian law. Clerasy, while no longer controlling the state outright, retains significant sway over moral and ethical issues. Laws such as Blasphemy and Heresy can lead to public denunciation of the faith or the Emperor as the chosen of the divine is punishable by fines, imprisonment, or, in severe cases, execution. Additionally, the Sanctity of Marriage is held in high regard. Marriage contracts are tightly regulated by both the Clerasy and the state, emphasising fidelity and religious devotion. Divorce is rare and requires either proven infidelity, abandonment, or the mutual consent of both parties and the Cleric overseeing their union.

Enslaved individuals, often prisoners of war or debtors, are considered property but are protected from excessive cruelty by their masters. Manumission ceremonies, overseen by the local priest, allow servile individuals to purchase or be granted their freedom.

Given Auresia’s status as a military powerhouse, its legions are governed by a strict code of martial law:

• Desertion: Punished by execution or permanent exile.

• Insurrection: Mutiny against commanding officers results in collective punishment for the unit.

• Honour in Combat: Cowardice or dishonorable conduct leads to branding and expulsion from the legion, stripping the individual of their citizenship.

Auresian courts distinguish between crimina publica (offences against the state or the Emperor) and crimina privata (disputes between individuals). Punishments are designed to maintain order and demonstrate the state’s strength:

• Minor Offences: Fines, public labour, or corporal punishment.

• Theft and Fraud: Restitution to the victim and hard labour.

• Murder: Execution or enslavement of the victim’s family.

• Treason: Death by public execution, often accompanied by the confiscation of all assets.

Indeed, the republican tradition endures in the Praelical Assemblies, local councils that handle minor disputes and propose regional legislation. While their power is limited, they provide a voice for commoners and a means to address local concerns without burdening imperial courts. These are lead by Local Praelic, the elected officals of cities, towns and hamlets.

Vandalism of public works or cultural artifacts is met with imprisonment and hefty fines. Public Festivals: Participation in state-sponsored festivals and religious observances is mandatory, fostering unity and loyalty to the Emperor.