The first Third Imperium emperor to be shot by his successor was
Cleon III, also known as Cleon the Mad. Selected by lot in a secret meeting of the High
Moot, Porifia shot Cleon III in his council chambers in 245.
Porifia was subsequently proclaimed empress by Moot confirmation.
During the Civil War period, several usurpers attempted to claim the throne by the night of assassination - few
succeeded.
Although the right of assassination has fallen into disuse, it is generally agreed that for the method to be a valid
route to the iridium throne, certain precedents must be followed: 1) the assassin must be a high noble; 2) the assassin
must kill the emperor by his own hand in the presence of witnesses; 3) the Moot must approve of the new
emperor; just as with any successor.
Thus, the reason for the assassination must be well founded, or Moot confirmation will likely be denied. Moot
confirmation can make all the difference - depending on what the Moot says, the assassin could be hailed as a courageous
hero or prosecuted as a seditious murderer.