, often referred to as simply Code Geass, is a Japanese anime series created by Sunrise, directed by Goro Taniguchi, and written by Ichiro Okouchi, with original character designs by manga authors Clamp. Set in an alternate timeline, the series focuses on how the former prince Lelouch vi Britannia obtains a power known as Geass and decides to use it to obliterate the Holy Britannian Empire, an imperial monarchy and a superpower that has been conquering various countries.