The Empire is ruled by the Noble Circle, a cabal of extremely narcissistic, cruel, and entitled lords and ladies. They are known for hunting peasants for sport, making outlandish requests to their guards (such as ordering them to train a pet Leviathan), and generally lacking concern for the lives of anyone beneath them.
The nobility is mostly comprised of Humans (slightly more Scorchlanders) and Sheks, while Hivers are disproportionately more likely to be peasants.
Hivers and Sheks are noted to increase in population and significantly spike criminality levels in UC newspapers, and their presence have inspired the likes of City Heroes who will target non-humans for assaults (although their acts of violence puts them at odds with the law). Empire Peasants are often found in the Empire's locations and areas.