Praetorian Guard (Superpowers)

The Praetoriani (Praetorian Guard) were once the personal guard for the emperor and the members of the Senate. Ironically, these guards had been a thorn in the side of the emperors for their first two centuries of power, with several emperors having been attacked or even assassinated by a member or leader of the Guard. The last attack of this kind occurred in 207 AD during the Plautianian Reforms of the Guard under Emperor Sulla I. On the death of Plautianus, the position of Praefectus Praetoriani, Head of the Guard, was split into three equal positions. With this added on to the changes made during the reform period, the Praetorian Guard officially became a dedicated force for the defense of the government.

Praefectus Praetoriani
The Praetorian Prefects are the heads of the Imperial Guard and Intelligence Service, known for centuries as the Praetorian Guard. One is always based in Constantinopolis, though they alternate, whilst the other two will usually go around the Empire to wherever a man of their importance is needed. Usually, they are selected by the emperor from evocatus, military veterans, who apply for the position. Mostly, these are men who are of the equestrian class, or who are as former Centurions or generals. They are always people whom the emperor places great trust in, and so the liberty they are given is impressive considering their high importance.

Guard Duties
Since 1834, there have been two types of Praetorian Guard, working for either one branch or the other. Those in the Imperial Guard are highly trained bodyguards of any important member of government. Depending on the situation, they are either wearing slightly camouflaged body armor under a special non-flowing toga, or a bright red cloak and helmet that completely conceals their identity and under which is an advanced piece of armor for protection and surveillance. The latter costume is mostly for ceremonial purposes, or excursions of important people to foreign or international land. This allows them to serve as psychological instruments, giving the emperor and his closest supporters a very imposing presence.

The other type of Praetorian works for the Roman Intelligence Service, gathering information as either an operator or a spy. Since its foundation, the RIS's purpose has been to discover undercover or illegal operations in the Empire, acquire information or important packages from foreign nations, and to discretely operate in foreign or domestic situations where it would be inappropriate for the Imperial Government to be at. Essentially, they are the CIA of the Roman Empire. In these situations, the Praetorians answer only to the emperor himself, and they are not permitted to work except with his express request.

Among the public, the Roman Intelligence Service (Munus Indicius Romanus) goes under many names, including: MIR, Conciliam (The Agency) and, amongst even members of the government, as Michael. Unlike OTL, there are no widespread conspiracy theories associated with MIR, and nearly every citizen accepts that things will be kept from them for the good of the Empire. This fact nicely reflects the intense patriotism that Romans feel for their emperor and nation.

Nonetheless, there has been controversy associated with MIR, mostly from half or recently admitted citizens and residents. Back in the 1860's, during the Bloody Massacre of the Muscovites, intelligence was going around that a Roman spy might have helped in tricking the Muscovites into believing that what was apparently a chance coinciding of Mongol and Roman military operations, was supposed to be a preparation to invade. Though the Roman government admitted that agents were in Muscovy at the time, they deny any fault in the matter. Only hardline Muscovites still follow this story.

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