FLORENTA – THE CAPITOL CITY
Under normal circumstances, the reigning Emperor appoints a prominent relative (a brother or sister, an adult child) to rule as Imperial Governor of the Capitol City.  As such, the position may potentially be held by any status of noble (Baron, Count or Duke.)  In the current climate, since the emperor is a child and an orphan, the appointment comes from the Steward and is subject to change according to his will.  At present, the Imperial Governor of Florenta is the Steward’s cousin, Lord Ferdinand, Grand Duke (an elevated status of Dukedom granted by Imperial decree.)

In terms of status, power and influence at court, this governor is second only to the emperor (or Steward.)  He has all the responsibilities of the other city rulers (taxation, govt. appointments, city administration & defense, diplomacy & liaison with merchants, scholars and The Church) and related powers (compelled service, control over all military forces, taxation for personal use, etc.)  The infantry & cavalry units under his command are considerable (though smaller than Astoria or any field force in the Passes,) and he enjoys the protection of both a squad of the elite Imperial Guard and seasoned, personal retainers.  He primarily lives in the Governor’s Palace in the capitol, but also has castles and lands (and troops & taxes) in both the rich & beautiful countryside outside Florenta and in the lush, timbered foothills of the Black Forest, as well as a formal palace within Astoria itself.