Uldovende (Administrator)
Qualifications
To be Uldovende one must first serve on the Yngregrad and then be elevated at the appointed time. It is a purely political position, so there have been more or less qualified Uldovende over the millenia. The more capable are good communicators and leaders, all must be at least competent bureaucrats and administrators.
Requirements
To date all Uldovende have been Rhûn, however there technically is no requirement that they be such. They are responsible that taxes are collected and city services are provided, and the tithe paid to the Freeholds on schedule.
Appointment
Every 49 years, a different member of the Yngregrad are elevated to be Uldovende, in order of Freehold. On that day, which coincides with the city's Founding Day, the city gates are all closed, and all work an business stops. There is a grand ceremony in the Uldovende's Manor where the regalia of office are surrendered to the Yngregrad by the retiring Uldovende, who either resumes their place on the council or retires. Subsequently the oldest member of the council elevates the new Uldovende, eliciting oaths of service to the city. Then there is a grand procession to each of the city's gates in turn, which are then opened and the Uldovende declares that the city is again open for business.
Duties
The Uldovende's principal responsibility is to ensure that all contracts in the city are enforced and fully executed.
Responsibilities
The Uldovende is the chief executive of the city. They oversee city operations and conduct major and minor ceremonies. The Uldovende may be asked to preside over weddings or funerals, or stand in judgement over contract claims, or give public speeches on any variety of topics.
Benefits
Beyond prestige and political authority, the Uldovende is entitled to a share of the tax revenue of the city (after expenses of course) before the levy is sent on to the Freehold. Thus it is not long at all before an Uldovende is fantastically wealthy.
Accoutrements & Equipment
There are two items of regalia. The first is a brilliant clear diamond broach the size of a goose egg that inscribed within it in Rhûnic text are the laws of the city. The second is a large key some two feet long. The key is fashioned from seven distinct pieces of granite, cunningly fused together and filigreed in precious metals and graven with Rhûnic words of authority and opening. Using this key the Uldovende can enter any structure, and open any door or locked enclosure in the city.
Grounds for Removal/Dismissal
The Uldovende may be removed from office by a unanimous vote of the Yngregrad or by the directive of the Freehold that set them in the Yngregrad.
Type
Civic, Political
Alternative Naming
Administrator
Equates to
On a nominal level, the Uldovende would be equivalent to a Mayor of a large city or perhaps Governor of a city-state. However given Trader's Gate's prominence as the central hub for international trade and discourse, coupled with the fall of the Freeholds, the Uldovende is the de-facto leader of the Rhûn and is treated as a commensurate head of state by the other world powers.
Source of Authority
The Uldovende's political authority stems from tne Yngregrad, and by extension from the Freeholds. Their physical authority is maintained through the City Guard and Customs Authority.
Length of Term
A given Uldovende serves for 49 years. Theoretically the same individual could serve multiple times if they lived long enough, but since the cycle of the Yngregrad exceeds the Rhûn lifespan, this has not yet happened.
Related Locations
Related Organizations