Government

There is no unified government in Barsaive; each town and city is self-governing. The Kingdom of Throal wields considerable influence, largely as a result of their position as the largest power in Barsaive. Given the historical stance Throal has taken against slavery and Theran oppression, they are generally considered to be a benevolent power, especially with the lead role taken during the recent war.

There are those that question whether Throal had deeper motives behind their stance against the Therans. The dwarfs were administrators for the Empire before the Scourge, and those who are less inclined to trust the dwarfs contend they wanted control, and the resulting wealth, for themselves rather than share it with their former masters.

Despite the influence of Throal, a wide variety of different political structures can be found. Most smaller villages and towns don’t have a formal government, handling things through public meetings led by a respected elder, who frequently helps resolve disputes between residents. Larger towns will typically have a council of some sort, whether of older residents, influential merchants, individuals by lot or election, or any number of other organizing principles.

Other places still have hereditary rule, with a title passing through a family line. This was more common in the days before the Scourge—the places where such practices were in effect were larger and more populated, and thus a bigger target for the Horrors, and those that survived the Scourge typically had enough mingling of bloodlines to dilute the old noble claims.