The Talat Family
The Talat family has ruled the the Kingdom of Ostar and later The Brilliant Empire since their respective establishments. Offshoots of the family are also established as the rulers of the Principality of Heirin and the Principality of Staton.
Structure
The ruling family of the Brilliant Empire and its subsidiaries, and the Kingdom of Ostar before it, the current Emphir is the official leader of the family; generally, the rulers of the Empire do not cede this place or any other to their heirs until they are on their deathbeds. Rarely, and only ever in the case of a very young Emphir, a Regent or non-ruling parent may be the de facto power behind both the family and the Empire until the young ruler comes of age.
As a Kingdom, the Talat ruler was known as the King or Queen. All of that person's children, both biological and adopted, were Princes and Princesses. The children of the Princes and Princesses were known as Dukes and Duchesses, with the ability to pass that title on to all of their own immediate children, though beyond the first generation only the heir was able to carry on the Duchy title, with other children becoming Lords or Ladies, unless awarded or married into greater titles.
At the conclusion of the 3rd Continental War, Melker Talat declared himself Emphir rather than King. He declared all of his descendants, blood and adopted, could hold the title 'of the blood' in addition to any of their other titles. Upon establishment of two Principalities under his daughter and successor Hesna Talat, she decreed that the heirs of those families were to also be considered 'of the blood', with the ability to pass down the titles of Prince and Princess amongst their heirs.
Starting with Taylan Talat, Ostar's first King, it is common practice for the sovereign to adopt and raise children from other families as their own. Taylan's practice stemmed from his belief that the most qualified person should always been chosen to rule, even if that person was not of his own blood, but over the years these foster children served some other purposes including hostages, diplomatic ties, and refreshing the bloodlines. Most often, the foster children are selected from the sovereign's extended family, but not always. Any of these children considered as possible heirs were given the Talat family name.
Culture
Most members of the Talat family have entirely embraced the concept that the world would be at its best if someone collects and redistributes resources and power for the greater good, and that they are the ones destined for the task. How, exactly to accomplish this and what freedoms others should have has been interpreted as many different ways as there have been rulers, but the trend is most often towards autocracy with variable levels of benevolence. The Talat family is ruled in the same manner - the head of the family has absolute power and absolute responsibility, for kin as well as country.
Public Agenda
The Empire runs smoothest when the citizens of the Empire believe that their rulers are making life better for them, and historically the Talat family has worked towards this goal honestly. All members of the family are expected to engage in public service work, either as their main occupation or alongside their other careers. They run hospitals, schools, serve in the military, champion just causes, and more. They are the faces, hands, eyes, and ears of the Emphir out in the world.
History
Taylan Talat became the first leader of the Talat family when he founded the Kingdom of Ostar, bringing his immediate and extended family under his wing to execute his vision for the world.
Political Influence & Intrigue
Before the Kingdom became an Empire, members of the Talat family moved freely amongst the other nations and peoples of the world. Now, they are viewed outside of the Empire with at best wariness and at worst open hostility, though few are willing to openly challenge the Emphir by harming a member of his or her family.
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