Council of Sebe

Head of the Danatelian Federacy

Gods give me strength, I don't think I can handle much more of these meetings. Curse Lukien for convincing me I should get into politics- this is such a waste of my time and sanity. I didn't think I'd get elected! I am really, really not qualified to be here.

— Ourfal Kalnan, Representative of Ikhla

The Council of Sebe is where the representatives of the seven Danatelian Regions come together to discuss of laws and decisions which affect the whole country. Its seet of power is located in the city of Nares, where they meet in the Kingless Palace to discuss the fate of the country.

History

The Council of Sebe was created in the year 328 CE, during the Fehlhef Summit. Political leaders, important religious figures and powerful merchants met up in the First City to discuss of a commonly shared constitution that would aim to unify the seven Danatelian regions and put an end to the constant conflict and economical instability.

Danatelian Flag by Timepool

The summit lasted almost two months of constant discussion, with each faction attempting to solidify their position within the slowly emerging federacy. The Sumia Kahin wanted to see the Saohri Temple granted power throughout the Danatelian Lands, arguing that as the official representants of the Gods they should be held in high authority in matters of the law. The Danatelian bourgeoisie wished to secure the tools necessary for a stable and lucrative economy, whereas the vairous political factions were divided between those defending their own private interests, and those trying to defend the interest of the people.

What?! Control over the rent of my properties?! That is unnacceptable. I am the only qualified individual to determine how much my tenants ought to pay me, and if I may say so I really am quite generous- though you shan't hear it from these ungrateful people. (...) I most certainly object to having anyone evaluate my lands. (...) No, not even trained professionals! (...) Because... because... oh, my tenants would likely destroy their own houses to obtain lower rent, yes, that is why.

— Disgunstingly wealthy landlord

The constitution was discussed, voted on, amended, discussed again. People argued for hours on how to word such and such, whether a tax should seek a 14% or 14.5% tax on the sale of outer regional imports, and many other petty matters. Eventually, a constitution was agreed upon, and the Council of Sebe was created as the sole institution capable of modifying said constitution.

Power & Influence

The Council of Sebe gathers elected representatives from all seven regions of the Danatelian lands. Each region hold elections in slightly different ways, with only a few rules that must be respected by everyone. The Council is made up of 350 members, about fifty elected officials per region. These officials can be of various parties, guildes, or temples, and complex factions arrise as inter-region coalitions.

Who can vote

Each Danatelian family holds 1 vote for every 6 family members. The person who goes to vote must be at least 15 years old, and must be able to spell their name. Theoretically, no differences exist between the vote of a poor farmer and a rich merchant, but in practice many inequalities emmerge due to faults within the system.

Who can be elected

Anyone with an officially recognised Danatelian nationality can supposedly present themselves for elections. However in most cases it is necessary to have a sponsor of some sort, who can fund part of the expenses required for successful campaigning. Two major sort of candidate exists: privately sponsored politicians, and party funded politicians.

Elections

Each village is required to have a dedicated building for holding votes. When voting, each family sends a member to the election building, where they will use a ballot to indicate which candidate they wish to support. At the end of the day, the ballots will be counted a first time, then sent to the capital of the region to be counted a second time while the first results are written and sealed in a letter. Then the two census are compared, and if the difference in results is too big a vote breaker is called in to count the votes a third time.

Criticism of the system

Some progressive politicians take issue with the current workings of the systems. Voting is innaccessible for anyone not within an hour of the election building, which excludes many farmers from such decisions. Then there is the issue of votes being assigned to families- there is no way to make sure the vote cast is the one actually intended by the family. Whatsmore, it is much easier for the wealthy minority to defend their interests than it is for the working class majority, threatening to plunge the population into deep inequalities.

Seat of power: Kingless Palace

Affiliated organisations: Banker's Union, Danatelian Trade Guild, Saohri Temple

Goal: To bring peace and cohesion to the Danatelian Lands

Regime type: Democratic federacy

by Farzane Saremi