The Left Hand of the Emperor was a formal title of a Great Clan, with the official duty of protecting the Empire (and the Emperor) from any and all unseen threats. The Left Hand served as the Emperor's political aides. They drafted laws in his name, issued edicts on his behalf, and exerted his political influence upon others. If the Emperor should choose to meet with dignitaries of foreign lands, they were his representatives. Traditionally, this had been the role of the Crane Clan, with reinforcement from the Emerald Magistrates.