The Council of Tal'Dorei

When the new reign of Tal’Dorei was established roughly three centuries ago, Zan Tal’Dorei did not wish to be given unchecked or uncounseled rule over the realm. Though she was crowned by a small council, she expanded its ranks by selecting her trusted allies and even dissenting voices to form an assembly of scholars, generals, and philosophers to govern at her side. This Council of Tal’Dorei worked at their Sovereign’s side to rebuild the realm following the end of Drassig’s line, and were instrumental in the recovery and subsequent prosperity of Tal’Dorei. Sovereign Uriel Tal’Dorei II, the latest and last of the Tal’Dorei line, publically ended the monarchy and passed power over to the council, formally divesting his line of power. Tragically, this ceremony was interrupted by the arrival of the five dragons known as the Chroma Conclave, the subsequent destruction of Emon, and Uriel’s death at the talons of the green dragon Raishan. In the chaos, the few surviving members of the newly-empowered Council were scattered, desperate to find safety from the Conclave. Upon the destruction of Thordak and the liberation of Emon, the remaining Council members reformed the realm as a republic under the same name, restoring a semblance of stability to Tal’Dorei once more.

Public Agenda

Goals
During Zan Tal’Dorei’s reign, the Council of Tal’Dorei existed to aid and inform the Sovereign on how best to execute his or her duties. The council has evolved to now oversee all major functions of government under their banner throughout Tal’Dorei. Each council member is assigned a domain of responsibility, and they either inherit the existing infrastructure of subordinates, or restructure with the approval of the rest of the council. The domains are divided as such: Development, Arcana, Law, Commerce, Information, Defense, and if needed, War. The council members are responsible for these domains throughout the city of Emon, and work closely with community leaders within other cities to maintain order. • The Master of Development works with the masonry guilds to approve and oversee all major construction and renovation within the city of Emon, as well as larger projects in Westruun and Kymal. • The Master of Arcana keeps vigil over the lawful use of magics within Tal’Dorei, informs the council on matters beyond the mundane, and occasionally works with the Alabaster Lyceum’s Headmaster. • The Master of Law enforces Tal’Dorei’s written law from within the Watchful Hall, serving as High Judge on grand matters of the court, approving any exalted amendments, and managing the smaller courts across the land. • The Master of Commerce works with all major merchant guilds and trading networks within Emon and beyond. They are to maintain a healthy economy, further good trade relations, and watch over the treasury. • The Master of Information oversees foreign diplomacy and maintains a well-developed network of spies and informants throughout the realm and beyond. They are to listen for whispers beyond the reach of the council’s ears and stand ever vigilant for political dangers. • The Master of Defense is head of the Emon Guard, working closely with the Master of Law to maintain order and peace within the city, and sometimes beyond. Leadership of military might is assigned to the Master of Defense in times of peace. • The Master of War is a temporary position, only filled during times of severe strife and impending conflict. The rest of the council elects the Master of War, who takes charge of the military from the Master of Defense, and all warfare and strategic decisions begin with them. When peace is called, the position is dissolved until required again.

Foreign Relations

Relationships The Council keeps cordial relations with the governments of cities and townships outside of Emon, though disagreements do arise. There is open trade between Kraghammer and Emon, and the council enjoys a relatively safe and easily-traveled route between the two cities. Syngorn keeps an alliance with the Council, though the limitations on that alliance are quite stringent and infuriate politicians of both Emon and Syngorn alike. Thanks to the actions of the adventurers known as Vox Machina, the Council has a new relationship with the previously solitary settlement of Whitestone, to the benefit both the Whitestone and Tal’Dorei. The Clasp is generally considered a serious threat to the Council’s rule, and much effort is put in by some members of the council to stamp it out when it rears its head. However, unbeknownst to the rest of the council, the Master of Information is usually quite involved with the Clasp, the position coming with the secret knowledge of their importance in maintaining rule where darker elements would loom. The Tal’Dorei Council ever has interest in furthering relations and trade beyond the borders of their lands, though the Kingdom of Dwendal in Wildemount continues to be elusive. Ank’Harel has been friendly and open when it comes to trade and commerce, but has shown no interest in any political relationships beyond that.

Legislative Body

Figures of Interest
Guardian Tofor Brotoras Dragonborn Master of Defense. Stern, honorable, and quick to anger, Tofor is proud to serve on the council. After losing many friends, and an arm, in the struggles against the Chroma Conclave, she took the vulnerability of the city to heart, swearing to never allow such a thing to happen again.
Seeker Ass um Emring Halfling Master of Information. What he may lack in social graces, Assum makes up in cleverness and incredible perception. He once ran with the Clasp before leaving and managing to erase almost all trace of his involvement.
Arcanist Allura Vysoren Human Master of Arcana. Also a member of the Arcana Pansophical, Allura uses her resources to help improve society’s opinion of magic practitioners. She is called upon to investigate supernatural abnormalities.
Arbiter Brom Goldhand Human Master of Law. A stone-faced, flame-scarred cleric of the Knowing Mistress, Brom is as mysterious as he is proficient with law. Driven to keep the realm just and orderly, there are few who would dare challenge his judgment.
Hearthmaker Theadorn Krazz Dwarf Master of Development. Old, gray, and rather ornery if he hasn’t had a drink, Theadorn rose to prominence after years of assisting the council in larger construction jobs, when the Council position fell vacant. His predecessor, Lornak Syfe, was removed from office for illegal involvement with the Clasp.
Coinmistress Hanna Wass eran Gnome Master of Commerce. Formerly the guild master of the Onyx Banner, Hanna took the council’s mantle in hopes of stamping out illegal activity throughout Emon’s trade and shipping channels.