"Empire" Status Questioned

One of the main topics of discussion between the older learned men (and women) of Noble society as they populate classy taphouses and manors across the realm is that of the validity of the term "Empire" to describe the great nation of Fastheld, given that there is currently no Emperor upon the Crown Throne.

Some of these learned Nobles argue that Fastheld is now a Regency, due to the fact that a Regent rules in the name of the Crown itself. Others states that Fastheld should instead be considered a Principality, as the Sovereign Prince is now the highest authority in the realm from the Imperial Bloodline. A few even believe that Fastheld should be known as an Oligarchy, as it is jointly ruled by the Regent and the Prince who seem to share similar interests and goals for the realm.

However, between the smoke of pipes and the scent of brandy, the traditional title of "Empire" is being defended by those who cite that Fastheld is an realm of Imperialism, has been an Empire for as long as anyone can remember, is populated by a people known as Imperials, and harbors various organizations forged of the Imperialist nature of that which thrives within the vast reaches of land between the Aegis walls.

Most Freelanders couldn't care less, however, and stand by the Empire being an Empire being an Empire. Still, those learned Nobles who spend countless evenings debating topics of this dismiss such loyalty. After all, they reason, what do Freelanders know about anything?