The August Assembly is a council made up of the nobility of Valoria. As new titles are rarely granted the cast of characters remains similar from year to year. Being a member of the August Assembly is considered an honor and mark of rank and station, but its actual power is heavily curtailed.
The primary function of the assembly is to ensure a smooth transition between emperors when there is not a direct heir. By law, the Valorian emperor passes his position to his eldest son. If no such heir is available the current emperor can make recommendations to the Assembly, but it is their responsibility to select the next emperor.
The Assembly meets in person once a year, sometime in the spring (insert date). Over the course of several days the council brings their appeals and requests to the emperor, and the emperor requests input from the Assembly on various matters. Depending on the emperor the Assembly can have more or less influence. Marik Maxentius was well known for soliciting and listening to advice from the August Assembly.