The Oligarchy of the Isles...the Golden Six

The Golden Six are the Six ruling families who rule the Islands of Glamm. After the death of the King of the Elves, his six strongest knights stepped forward and claimed that they would rule as one. This happened so smoothly that many came to wonder if this had not been pre-arranged. The Six moved their families off of the Cursed Island and over to the Island of the Realms, where they built six enormous sandstone castles and lesser lodgings for their retinue of servants. A city quickly sprung up around them.
Includes: Ashwind Fernleaf Rockflint Fernleaf Granitehawk Shaft Willowreed Scion Foxglove

Qualifications

Heredity is passed on through the male line. Other families vie to marry their children to those of the Golden Six, hoping for some glory to shine on them. There has been one family deposed...a lack of an heir left some question at death and the powerful family stepped in

Requirements

By heredity only, though there are cases where stronger families have inveigled their way into marrying heirs

Appointment

Coronation happens upon the death of the eldest male, but the intended know their destiny from a young age and are brought up well educated in the arts, science and battle

Duties

In theory the governing and protection of the Islands. Taxing all of the islands is difficult, so they tax all the trade, which amounts to almost the same thing. At every port is a tax collector who taxes all goods leaving and entering the port. Protection seems to be a null point, as there have been no threats due to geographical isolation, but upon coronation they must swear an oath to protect all in the islands. There is a standing army, but it essentially amounts to the Royal Guard. This guard is shared by all families equally, no amassing of private armies is allowed. The younger sons of ruling families are often officials in the guard. Very few services are offered by the ruling family...there are no schools or hospices, but trade is regulated and disputes can be brought before the oligarchy. They administer the law

Benefits

The families enjoy wealth unknown by almost any in the islands, and the society of each other. However there is open competition between the families and a constant thread of other families trying to push their way in. There is much intrigue and plotting

Accoutrements & Equipment

The rulers dress in golden fabric, armed at all times with a golden scimitar which they have been trained in using since birth. They each have a golden circlet on their heads.

Alternative Naming

The Big Six

Source of Authority

The families claim authority from the got Cerebra, the god of science and reason and law

Length of Term

The appointment is for life

Reports directly to

The Oligarchy of the Isles...the Golden Six