Almost 8 years ago, facing an increasingly dire situation and losing territory every day, but having captured all the legitimate heirs of The imperial house Vapośæťoš, members of the communist insurrection executed all members of the royal family in their custody in what investigators would later describe as "a perverse ritual murder." The United anti-communist forces, having long been in the de facto political control of a 12-member military junta, agreed that stabilizing the country was to take first priority, and set the date for the election of a new emperor by the ancient methods for 7 years after the full reconquest of the capital, the last major battle of the war.
That time has come, The old monarchical flag has been raised over the palace for the first time in over a decade, and a group of 3,000 nobles, clergymen, city and small town mayors, together comprising the electorate of an Imperial Conclave, have gathered under strict security at the Yelbıńæc Convention Center to hold rounds of deliberation, speeches, and voting until a 56% majority for a candidate is reached.
While almost 30 candidates have made the official, short list, only 4 are considered truly viable going into the conclave.
Əkoru Vapośæťoš: A surviving member of the old royal family, but not eligible for immediate succession. Many of the more devoted loyalists of the old dynasty hold Əkoru up as the natural continuation of the "good old days." Some say that Əkoru, just 24 years old, the only leading candidate with no place in the current government, and not strongly showing opinions on many of the current issues facing the country, does not have the willpower to steer the ship of state through rough waters, but for many yearning for a quieter, gentler course, he is a popular candidate.
Clergy Support: Moderate
Noble Support: Moderate
Urban Mayor Support: Low
Rural Mayor Support: Moderate
Dlhubo Əsamyu: Though an Aristocrat, Əsamyu threw in with the democratic forces at the start of the civil war. When communists asserted dominance over the rebellion, he switched sides and was personally responsible for the Anticommunist victory in the Peninsular campaign. He advocates for the formation of an empowered, elected parliament, increased involvement in global political and trade initiatives, a ceremonial role for the monarchy, and the emulation of the country's more liberal neighbors in social policy.
Clergy Support: Low
Noble Support: Moderate
Urban Mayor Support: High
Rural Mayor Support: Low
Dacu Kæbegıš
The Grand Marshal, head of the National Reserve Army at the outbreak of conflict, emerged as the moderating force among the anticommunist civil war generals, and became the one to preside over their meetings when disputes arose. He is often credited with the victories of current government policies, but is also the one faulted for its shortcomings. He is seen as a staunch social conservative, perhaps even a reactionary, and a proponent of economic autarky. Rumors have surfaced in recent months that he has become deeply concerned with the damage the policies of the more radically right-wing generals on the council have done on the soft power and cultural prestige of Chiloshia on the world stage, and with the perils into which they may drag the nation if given free reign over foreign policy if the candidates that have emerged from them were to be granted the sacred powers of the throne. However, until the next Emperor has the crown placed on his head, he will not allow himself to be seen as a liberalizing force for the country, in fear that such a move will embolden support for such candidates.
Clergy Support: High
Noble Support: Moderate
Urban Mayor Support: Low
Rural Mayor support: High
Uge Ťomaškæń
General Ťomaškæń was once described by General Əsamyu as "A trigger-happy, foaming-at-the-mouth revanchist against every tree and rock he thinks sustained the revolution for a single minute." However, many of those who lost family to the attacks of the rebels find his fiery and skillful oration particularly inspiring, and many agree with his assessments that certain ethnic groups that were overrepresented among the communists had been plotting hostile actions against the Empire and the Chiloshian people for a considerably long time, and continue to pose a threat to the stability of the nation. He has emerged as the frontrunner of the rightward-of-Kæbegıš forces in the conclave.
Clergy Support: Moderate
Noble Support: Low
Urban Mayor Support: Moderate
Rural Mayor Support: High