Emperor

Emperor (female, empress) is a title held by certain individuals throughout history. As opposed to the title of "king", emperor does not technically have to denote royalty. The domain of an emperor is known as an "empire," which is usually not a single nation, but rather a collection of many territories under one, autocratic rule.

Usage
While the title essentially means the same thing universally, the theoretical definition has varied throughout the ages. The usage dates back as far as the late Third Age, often denoting a single, theocratic leader of a country. Despite that, however, the term's meaning has changed and differed throughout the ages, While, historically, an emperor is an autocrat with totalitarian power, the title is sometimes is an elected, or appointed official, as opposed to being hereditary by law. While this can easily be manipulated, as the emperor, or a court under their control, could appoint the child of an emperor into the position, this is generally frowned upon by today's standards. Despite how an emperor receives their power, the power that came with the position was chiefly autocratic. However, by the time the Romulan Imperium was established, the emperor did not possess complete power, as an oligarchical and senatorial portion of the government existed as well. Despite this, however, many kings have declared themselves emperors over the years, and the position has been primarily hereditary.

Throughout the Fifth Age, starting in the 11th century, the title of emperor was restored, as it had not been used since the fall of the Imperium. The Lyght of the West crowned the "first emperor", and by doing so, established the Alliance of Caenterin. But the title in use by the Alliance is neither hereditary nor autocratic, as the position is a life-long appointment. The emperor is the primary executive governor of the various nations of the Alliance, and their goal is to ensure that peace is kept, since they are unable to actually rule since the Alliance is a federation, not a true empire. In the Alliance, the Lyght is the primary political leader, and the emperor is his right hand, and enforces the government's will and upholds the universal laws of the land.

Although there is only one truly recognized emperor in Caenterin, others throughout history have declared themselves emperor, such as Napolonias and Adder Harod. Other leaders that control massive kingdoms, especially in the eastern lands of Orien, are referred to as emperors simply to describe their manner of rule. Despite all of this, the term is completely subjective.