Imperial Court

The Imperial Court was a term used to describe the Emperor and court of the Rosen Empire.

Historically, the power of the court can be roughly divided into three phases. However, these are not consistent and there have been times in which sudden, temporary shifts in the power of nature of the Imperial Court have occurred.
 * First Period (IA 501 to c. 706) - Weak Court - the Imperial Court was a weak entity for the early half of the Empire' s history, with the realm being governed largely as a feudal state. Although the Imperial Demesne was relatively large, the inability of the Court to impose its policies on its vassals highlights the weakness during this period. Modest increases in the power of the Court were seen during this time, culminating in the Duke's War in IA 700.
 * Second Period (c. IA 706 to c. 820) - Strong Court - after the Imperial victory in the Duke's War and the subsequent establishment of the Western Protectorate, the Court enjoyed a long period of power across the Empire. The Emperor was considered a first-among-equals within the Court, constrained by their Council, mages and the Court Officials. Although tentative reforms in the late 700s saw some prerogative granted to the Emperor, it wasn't until the reforms of Brandon VI that the Emperor gained substantial power within the Imperial Court
 * Third Period (c. IA 820 to 991) - Strong Emperor - the latter part of the Empire's history is characterised by a series of powerful Emperors, assisted by loyal regional officials and appointed Court bureaucrats. Although the Council did exercise some restraints in the Court, the reforms of Brandon VI as well as the developing political and magical traditions of supporting the Emperor meant that their power was limited. After the Great War and the subsequent dissolution of the Empire, the Imperial Court ceased to exist.