The Politics of the Republic of Misty Waters
Kings and Queens
In the vast archipelago of Misty Waters, each major island is ruled by a leader who bears the title of king or queen. Unlike traditional monarchies, this title is not inherited but earned through a test of strength. The islanders firmly believe that weak leadership leads to ruin, and thus, a regal position is not passed by bloodline but claimed through battle.
Any citizen who commands their own airship has the legal right to challenge the reigning monarch. These challenges are not duels with swords or pistols but epic clashes of airships, where the entire sky becomes the battlefield. The duel rages until one side raises a white flag, signalling surrender. The victorious claimant takes the title of king or queen and assumes command of the defeated’s ship, or whatever remains of it.
The esteemed War Council selects their successor if a reigning monarch dies outside of an official duel. This gathering often involves vast sums of money changing hands, debts erased, and promises forged in shadowy deals. Over time, an unsettling pattern emerged: more monarchs met their end through betrayal than in the open sky, their lives claimed in the secrecy of their cabins by hidden blades.
The War Council
Once a month, the kings and queens of Misty Waters convene in Medina, the capital of the Turtle Islands, to discuss the issues facing the archipelago. These meetings are held within the remains of Nuestra, the legendary airship of the Sky Conqueror himself. According to ancient tradition, any decision impacting multiple islands must be made and approved within these hallowed halls. Unanimity is required; no votes are cast, and every decision must achieve consensus.
Persuasion, bribes, and alliances are tools of the trade during these deliberations. When words fail, knives and fists often settle disputes. The name "War Council" is fitting, for even in peace, these meetings are marked by intense rivalry and conflict. Should one or more rulers perish during the proceedings, the survivors select a new leader, who, mindful of their predecessor’s fate, is often more willing to compromise.
Governors of the Minor Islands
The archipelago's smaller islands are governed by appointed governors who wield considerable autonomy. Their primary duty is to meet their respective kings' tax obligations. Governors are chosen through auctions, where aspiring candidates bid the highest tax contributions their island will produce under their governance. The winner secures the title and leadership responsibility for a ten-year term.
Governors are free to collect as much revenue as they wish beyond their promised taxes, significantly enriching themselves. However, failure to meet their obligations can result in their removal long before their term ends. Upon completion of a term, another auction determines the next governor.
The Captains
In the Scareguards Archipelago, owning an airship grants a citizen the right to the title of captain. With this title comes the obligation to enlist in the fleet of a local king or queen. Captains are required to provide military support during times of war and pay taxes based on the number of cannons their ship carries. How captains earn their coin is of little concern to their rulers, so long as taxes are paid and their actions do not jeopardize the monarch’s interests.
Crew members technically have the right to challenge their captain to a duel for command of the ship. However, such challenges are rare, as even victorious challengers often meet a grim fate at the hands of a loyal crew. The bonds between captains and their crews run deep, and abrupt shifts in leadership are seldom welcomed.
Oh, Misty Waters! Your politics are a tempest of ambition, treachery, and audacity. From the fiery skies of duelling airships to the shadowed halls of the War Council, your leaders fight for power and survival. May your kings and queens find strength in the tempest, and may your captains navigate the winds of change with courage and cunning. For in your storms lies the heart of a republic that defies gravity and convention alike.
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