Syndicratium

There are, however, two corporate oligarchies, called syndicratia. These are not under the control of a duke, rather it is a set of cartels, referred to as Guilds. The syndicratia are each larger than any duchy.

No leader of either syndicratia can ever mount a claim to the Monarchrate throne, however they are also not beholden to the Emporer's every wish. For example, they will not prosecute a war for the Emporer, like a duke would, rather they war for economic gain. They also pay considerable tribute to the Emporer.