The military wing is headed by the Warlord. In principle, its main powers lie outside the Palace, where it can commandeer property and conscript individuals for tasks for the collective good. Inside the Palace, these powers are curtailed. The military often assists in the administration of the spiritual law by conscripting banished citizens for unpleasant duties. The military is immune from Civil Law, and has its own system of courts. It is hierarchical, and almost completely dominated by Garus.
The Civil Government is responsible for ensuring quality of life for citizens. It collects taxes and regulates commerce, tends to the infrastructure, and passes legislation for the common welfare. It is also responsible for maintaining records and promoting culture, science, and trade. The Archon, the head of the Civil Government, is traditionally a Dragon. However, the bureaucrats, accountants, and scribes are overwhelmingly Varagh. The civil law has wide jurisdiction, but punishment is restricted to fines and community service. Repeated resistance to civil authority is a spiritual offense.
In addition, each species is entitled to maintain a body to preserve its indigenous customs and govern family and domestic issues. Some species, like the Garu, are organized and strict in enforcement. Others are informal and tolerant, like Unicorns.
Since the fall of the Science Tower, three political factions have emerged,
each associated with a branch of government. The Inward Path faction believes
that progress depends on closer harmony between the day-to-day life of
the Empire and the dream of the Saints. They preach a return to tradition
and a rich spiritual life. The Outward Path believes that the security
of the Empire lies in restoring the political and economic dominance over
lost territory. The Phoenix faction, associated with the Archon, strives
to regain lost technology and knowledge through exploration and experiment.
It ultimately hopes to solve the mystery of the Science Tower and cleanse
it of corruption.
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Inhabitants of the Radiant Empire