Simone Calihan: Murkatva's Premiere Negotiator

Simone Calihan, the current leader of the Council of Merchants (Murkatva's governing body) is truly first among equals. She doesn't hold exceptional power (other than the support and wealth of her family) by herself, but has been exceptional at applying just enough force at the right time to steer the city state without pissing people off so much that they dispose of her.
She's about 53 years old, her red hair starting to grey (from stress most likely) and a strong upright posture. She's been leading the council for the last 7 years and currently holds a strong majority on the council, (8 members typically support her policies)