High Elder

The leading member of a council of the Wood Elves, a title held for a single term of office.
Based on ancient tradition of the Wood Elves dating thousands of years, this system of electing a peoples council to rule has been in place for as long as any can remmeber in their settlements. The council elect their leader from among themselves at the start of each term, which will usually last no more than ten years. This process is thought to help to counter corruption or laxity.
The council are elected directly by the memebers of the settlement, usually of at least three people, with one more for every two hundred people living there. Where more than one species of person lives in the settlement, it is usually required that each has at least one representitive on the council.

Requirements

Despite the name, which is purely ceremonial, the High Elder doesn't have to be of any particular age, let alone the eldest in a settlement.

Appointment

At the begining of a new term of office, the elected members of a local council will elect from their number one to be placed as High Elder for the term.

Duties

The High Elder will be seen as the defacto leader of the settlement for thier term, although their power comes from the council that they are a member of, they are the leader of that group for the term and so embody it for most people.

Responsibilities

The High Elder has the casting vote in the event of any hung votes by the council. They also are seen as the lead in the event of any negotiation or discussion with those from outside the council.

Accoutrements & Equipment

Most settlements will have a special badge of office for the High Elder, but it is usually subtle as befitting the fact that they are just one of the people of the town.

Grounds for Removal/Dismissal

A vote of no confidence with a two thirds majority can remove a High Elder from power. The High Elder is never given responsibility over whatever defence or military force that a Wood Elf settlement might have.

Form of Address

Elder

Source of Authority

The local settlement's council

Length of Term

Ten years maximum.