Ursine Throne

The Ursine Throne, alternatively the Imperial Seat (Sede della Imperatore, "Seat of the Emperor") is a term used to describe both the head of state of Aciria, the Emperor of Aciria and his aides, and the literal throne used by the current Emperor of Aciria.

Literally, the Ursine Throne refers to the throne located in the Imperial Palace in Trossera. The thrones located in places like the Imperial Retreat on Montverde are used during the imperial stay there, when imperial matters are directed there, but generally remain unnamed, the Ursine Throne being used exclusively for the one in Trossera.

History
The term Ursine Throne traces its roots back at least to the establishment of the Kingdom of Aciria in 220 BC, from when the first descriptions of the Ursine Throne have been found. The throne was described as the Ursine Throne due to the two statues of bears made of pure gold that sat next to the throne, guarding the King. Bears were chosen as the guardians due to the historical religious importance that the bears had in the region, with bears being seen as both strong and wise.

During the initial years of Caphirian rule, nobility often respected and looked to the Ursine Throne for guidance and directed their allegiance here over Venceia. Some early Acirian sources claim that due to this, the Caphirian legion stationed at Trossera at some point destroyed the Ursine Throne and brought the bears to Venceia where they were eventually smelted. The first modern Ursine Throne was constructed in 1815 by Emperor Enrico to honour his father, but it was replaced in 1905 by the current throne, and the initial modern Ursine Throne was taken to the Imperial Museum in Trossera.

During Imperial Reclusion
During times of Imperial Reclusion, the term Imperial Seat refers not to the Emperor, but the various aides the Emperor uses. These include but are not limited to the Arm of the Emperor, Voice of the Emperor and the Eye of the Emperor. The reclusion periods mean the Emperor staying away from the public eye for extended periods of time, which is when he uses the various aides of his to ensure his will is followed through. Only the Arms of the Emperor are personally appointed by the Emperor, but both the Voice of the Emperor and the Eye of the Emperor are selected by him, while the Arm of the Emperor reaches out to those selected to recruit them.

The Arm of the Emperor is responsible for recruiting the other aides of the Emperor. The Arm is also expected to eliminate any threats to the Imperial Seat, either selected by the Emperor or spotted by the Eye of the Emperor. Those behind executing these orders are sometimes referred to as the Fist of the Emperor.

The Voice of the Emperor is responsible for speaking in place of the Emperor, being the only one in regular, direct contact with the Emperor during the times of reclusion.

The Eye of the Emperor is responsible for watching out for threats against the Imperial Seat, the Emperor, and those pretending to be imperial aides without appointment. Sometimes in modern day the Polizia Amministrativa Imperiale are identified as the modern equivalent of the Eye of the Emperor, casting doubt on the need for the Eye of the Emperor in modern times.