Master of Offices
| Master of Offices | |
|---|---|
 Emblem of the Imperial Court | |
| Imperial Office | |
| Style |
|
| Member of | |
| Appointer | The Monarch |
| Term length | At the Emperor's pleasure |
| Formation | c. 5th century |
The Master of Offices (Latin: Magister officorum), occasionally referred to as Imperial Chancellor, is one of the most senior administrative officials in Latium, and the Imperial Household. The Master of Offices attends and is often responsible for presiding over Emperor's Council meetings. The office is one of the ten Vir illustris (lit. "illustrious man").
At its inception in the 5th century, the Master of Offices functioned as the equivalent to a modern interior minister and state security chief. He often handled foreign affairs, intelligence collection on foreign entities, and other wide-ranging duties that included handling the Emperor's audiences and receiving ambassadors, and supervising the postal network. Today, much of the Master of Offices duties vary according to Imperial prerogative, but its core duties include management of the Imperial Household, and supervising the bureaucracy and household departments, and may oversee, but not command or order other offices in government, on the Monarch's behalf. The Master of Offices plays a key role in formal court functions. The position may be held by more than one individual, though this rarely occurs. The incumbent Master of Offices is Florian Claudius, who was appointed by Emperor Constantine XX Claudius, on 7 April 2019.
Role
The Master of Offices is appointed by, and solely responsible to, the Emperor. The Master of Offices primarily oversees imperial court, and directs the civil service on the emperor's behalf. As the primary officer of court, the Master of Offices plays a major role in nearly all court functions, and a supervisory role in all executive agencies. While the Master of Offices regularly meets with other court officers, he may not direct leaders or subordinates within agencies, other than his own.
The primary bureau of the Master of Offices is the Imperial Office. Within the are the Correspondence and Arrangement Bureau, Bureau of Counts, Bureau of Legislative Affairs, Bureau of Propraetors, Bureau of Policy, and the Legal Bureau. In addition are a number of independent agencies such as the Scholarian Guard, which was restored to the Imperial Office in 2019, and the Public Post. Each subordinate bureau, except the Bureau of Counts, is lead by a deputy to the Master of Offices. These deputies are appointed by the Emperor, but may be removed by the Master of Offices for cause.
In addition, the Master of Offices holds great influence with the Emperor as the chief advisor and administrator. Through this role, he plays a leading role on all bodies of the Emperor's Council, and leads the Sacred Assembly. Other duties are often granted or removed from the office according to the preferences of the reigning emperor.
Amenities
List of Masters of Offices
Living former Masters of Offices
As of 2019 there are five living former Masters of Offices:
- Living former masters of offices
The Duke Pinarius
served 2000–2008
born 1940 (age 84)
Empress Marsella, The Dowager Empress
served 2008–2016
born 1970 (age 58)
The Duke of Alba
2017–2018
born 1990 (age 34)
The Duke of Ossonoba
2018
born 1961 (age 63)
