The DeSade Ruling body is comprised first and foremost of the Empress. Her word is law and none may superscede her.

Next in the hierarchy is the Princess/Prince Regent. This is the Second in Command and acts in The Empress's stead when the Empress can not do so herself.

Next in line is the Grand Inquisitor. This is the third in command and the head of the Inquisitors. The Inquisition makes up our “Judicial Branch” as the Grand Inquisitor helps to create and uphold the laws and over sees the trial of those in violation of the laws. The holder of this office also holds the title of Duke/Duchess unless the office holder already posseses a title greater then that of Duke/Duchess, such as Princess/Prince.

The Empress, Princess Regent, and Grand Inquisitor ,are the the main ruling body of the Empire and make up The Royal Court. It is they who create, enforce, and null any laws. They decide the punishments, and the banishments.

To aid them in the running of the Empire, there are Advisors and Heads of Classes.

The Heads of Classes are the people who are Head of an individual profession within the Empire. They over see all those in their Class, ensuring their proper training, and keeping order among that Class. The holders of these offices also hold the title of Countess/Count unless they come to thier position with a title greater than that of Count/Countess.

Next are the Royal Advisors. They are assistants and advisors to the Rulers and peform any duties they assign to them, and when they require it they can even act in thier stead, though they must specifically authorize them to do so. Royal Advisors also hold the title of Baroness/Baron UNLESS they already hold a higher rank such as Princess/Prince, in which case they will retain their title of Princess/Prince, as is the case with any council member or Head of Class.

The DeSade Council handles many OOC Issues concerning the clan such as membership requests, SL generation, and concerns for improving and changing the clan, as well as IC and OOC problems that arise.

The Council is Comprised of the Empress and the Royal Court, of course, but can include the Heads of Classes, the Advisors, and members of the Royal Family. HOWEVER...Gaining one of the previously mentioned positions DOES NOT mean you will be given a spot on the Council, nor are you required to obtain one of the previously mentioned positions to be offered a spot on the council if the Empress feels your input and help will be of value to the Clan. The Council is dealt with mainly OOC, and so OOC considerations are taken into account when considering those on the council.

Council Members
Empress Duvessa DeSade
Princess Regent Andraste DeSade
Duke Jauque DeSade
Duchess Chantra DeSade
Countess Nite Fire DeSade
Countess Enchantress DeSade
Baroness Angelique DeSade
Baron Morganti DeSade
Baron Jacob DeSade
Princess Anja DeSade

Any member of the Empire with a Grievance or problem may come to the Royal Court (Government) and/or the Council and state their case. The grievance will be reviewed and depending on its OOC or IC status, the Royal Court or the Council shall act accordingly. Should it need to go to trial, then it becomes a matter for the Inquisition. IC Infractions will be handled by the Empress, the Royal Court, and the Inquisition. OOC infractions are dealt with by the Empress and the Council. However this can and may be changed at will should the Empress and the Council decide the infraction be handled on an IC basis.

If you wish to hold a position in the Government (I.e. Head of a Class etc) then you need to be willing to devote the time to it. The Government has much more to do then any other in the Empire, and if you do not have the time nor the inclination, then do not request, nor accept a position should it be offered to you. You are expected to be seen in the rooms and on the mailing list. Special circumstances are of course acceptable, after all people do go on vacations, have computer trouble, get sick, etc..however, if none of these conditions apply then as stated you are expected to participate, often more so then regular members.

If you become remiss in your duties as one of the Rulers, Head of Class, or Advisors, you can be brought up for review before the main ruling body and could possibly lose your position. If you lose your position, you lose your title,