Council of Sharn
The Council of Sharn is comprised of 17 councilors: one from each of the wards of the city, with Cliffside merged into Dura and a single councilor representing both Ashblack and Blackbones. The precise method by which a councilor is appointed varies from ward to ward. In theory, it is a diplomatic selection made by the leaders of the ward, but what it takes to be a “leader” varies considerably. In some wards, anyone with a certain amount of income or property can participate in ward councils and elections. In others, ward elections are entirely in the hands of trade guilds, noble families, or other power groups. While in theory each councilor has an equal voice, in practice the influence of a councilor is derived from his backers. The local merchants of Lower Menthis support Savia Potellas, and she knows better than to openly oppose Caskar Halavik, who has the backing of the Boromar Clan. If she stirs up too much trouble, she might wind up at the bottom of the Dagger River. However, she finds other ways to deal with Caskar and pursue her own goals—including hiring adventurers to upset his plans. Likewise, while each councilor is supposed to represent the interests of his or her ward, a councilor usually puts his backers first, his personal district second, and his ward third. Thus, the three councilors with ties to the Boromar Clan usually vote as a unit.
The City Council commands a variety of powers. The Council establishes the laws of the city, although if they wish to pass a law that completely contradicts the Code of Galifar or the traditions of Brelish Law, the crown or parliament might have something to say about it. Laws may vary per ward, allowing a councilor to shift the traditions of the city to benefit his backers. The Council also determines how to use the resources of Sharn, from taxes to the power of the Sharn Watch. Finally, the Council appoints the high officers of the city, including the Lord Mayor. The councilors do not appoint the city’s representatives to the Breland Parliament; following the democratic traditions of the nation, the three legislators are elected by popular vote, with every legitimate resident of Sharn having the right to participate. However, the Council manages and administers the election, and councilors can usually exercise a considerable amount of influence over the voters in their districts, whether through charisma or graft.
