Title 22: Nobility and the Great Game

§2201. Definition of Terms

For the purposes of this title, the following terms are defined:

• Imperial House: The ruling house of the Imperium, seated in the Nexus Sector, holding supreme authority.
• Noble House: Any entity formally recognized within the hierarchy of nobility, including Great Houses, Major Houses, and other tiers.
• The Great Game: A competitive framework wherein noble houses vie for prestige, influence, and favor within the Imperium.
• Council of Nobles: A governing body delegated by the Emperor to oversee the administration of nobility and enforce the rules of the Great Game.
• Kinship: The smallest recognized noble entity, comprised of individuals or small groups with potential for elevation.

§2202. Purpose and Scope

(a) Purpose.

This title establishes the structure, roles, and responsibilities of nobility within the Aksum Imperium and codifies the rules and framework of the Great Game.

(b) Scope.

This title applies to all noble houses, clans, families, and kinships officially recognized by the Emperor or the Council of Nobles, as well as their participation in the Great Game.

§2203. Structure of the Noble Hierarchy

The noble hierarchy consists of the following tiers, listed in descending order of prominence:

1. Imperial House
   • The supreme governing body of the Imperium.
   • Unlimited player accounts.
2. Great House
   • Governs a sector and participates in the Great Game as primary competitors.
   • 12 player accounts per house.
3. Major House
   • Oversees realms, dominions, and planetary clusters.
   • 11 player accounts per house.
4. Dominion House
   • Governs dominions within sectors.
   • 10 player accounts per house.
5. Principal House
   • Administers states within the Imperium.
   • 9 player accounts per house.
6. Minor House
   • Manages system-level governance and operations.
   • 8 player accounts per house.
7. Patrician House
   • Coordinates planetary operations and serves as intermediaries.
   • 7 player accounts per house.
8. Clan
   • Governs significant planetary regions or industrial operations.
   • 6 player accounts per clan.
9. Sub-Clan
   • Manages smaller planetary operations under a Clan.
   • 5 player accounts per sub-clan.
10. Honored Family
    • Recognized for cultural, academic, or artisan contributions.
    • 4 player accounts per family.
11. Family
    • Foundational units managing estates or enterprises.
    • 4 player accounts per family.
12. Proto-Family
    • Units aspiring to noble recognition.
    • 3 player accounts per family.
13. Kinship
    • Individuals or small groups with potential for noble elevation.
    • 2 player accounts per household.

§2204. Roles and Responsibilities of Noble Houses

(a) General Responsibilities.

Noble houses shall contribute to governance, trade, and cultural development within their territories, aligning their actions with the interests of the Imperium.

(b) Sectoral and Territorial Duties.

Each tier of nobility is responsible for:

1. Imperial House: Issuing decrees, overseeing the Imperium, and ensuring stability.
2. Great Houses: Governing sectors and advising the Imperial Court.
3. Lower Tiers: Managing localized governance, resource production, and cultural initiatives.

§2205. The Great Game

(a) Rules of Participation.

1. Participation is open to all noble houses that meet eligibility criteria established by the Council of Nobles.
2. All participants must adhere to the rules and guidelines issued by the Emperor.

(b) Adjudication of Disputes.

1. The Council of Nobles shall serve as the primary body for resolving disputes related to the Great Game.
2. Disputes unresolved at the Council level may be escalated to the Emperor.

§2206. Authority of the Council of Nobles

(a) Oversight and Regulation.

1. The Council shall codify standards for noble progression and demotion.
2. The Council shall monitor compliance with imperial decrees.

(b) Reporting to the Emperor.

1. The Council shall provide periodic reports on the state of nobility, including recommendations for adjustments.

§2207. Imperial Prerogatives

(a) Appointments and Demotions.

The Emperor retains sole authority to elevate or demote noble houses, override Council decisions, and assign Great Houses as necessary.

(b) Issuance of Decrees.

The Emperor may amend or introduce rules governing nobility, including the structure and responsibilities of noble houses.

History

Added to the Imperial Code after approval of proposal during the Winter 24 Magnus.

Back to Imperial Code (9th Imperium)