High Chancellor

The High Chancellor, sometimes titled the Grand Chancellor, is the head of the Elder Council.

Though formally appointed and dismissed at the Emperor's pleasure, the office is commonly held by a nominee of the independently-minded Elder Council. It is the responsibility of the High Chancellor to convene the Elder Council in the Imperial Palace, designate its agenda, adjudicate its discussions, and occasion voting. The High Chancellor, in this presidential role, is a central figure in the governance and lawmaking of the Empire; generally regarded as the Emperor's chief minister and advisor.

Throughout history, High Chancellors have proved themselves the greatest assets and liabilities of the Septim emperors. Creatures of the emperor appointed to the high chancellorship have sought to impose the imperial will upon the Elder Council without success; achieving only discontent and resistance. Those obtruded to the office by the Elder Council itself, for the purpose of expanding its already considerable powers and privileges have contributed to the degeneration of imperial authority throughout the Empire. The greatest High Chancellors have undertaken the onerous task of reconciling the conflicting wills of the emperor and the Elder Council.

Whilst the duties of the High Chancellor are clearly defined, its authority is determined by the disposition of the Emperor, the Elder Council, and the office-bearer himself.