Uldien Aldermanic Council

THE ALDERMANIC COUNCIL

Founded by the Baron in 717 TR to entice the Mangai into taking a more active role in Uldien politics and thus increasing trade, the Aldermanic Council is still far from powerful. Of its five members only three are nominated by the Mangai and still need to be acknowledged by Baron Karsin to take their seats on the body political. Once in office, the aldermen serve a term of five years, and can only be removed for criminal activity or gross misconduct. The Baron appoints the two remaining members, one to represent the interests of the nobility and one to speak on behalf of Uldien Abbey and the Church of Larani. The Council was granted lower jurisdiction by the Baron, allowing them to hear local cases that involve punishments of shaming (pillory, dunking, etc.), fines, and lesser corporal punishments (whipping, caning). Severe corporal punishments (branding, blinding, maiming) and the death penalty can only be imposed by the Baron's court. The Council also has no jurisdiction over noblemen and priests of the recognized churches. The Aldermanic court is headed by the Mangai Councilors who rotate this duty, while two of the other Alderman (who do not have to be from the Mangai faction) act as jury. Fines imposed by the Aldermanic court are split among the Baron's and the town's coffers. Organization of the market and the fur fairs is also a privilege granted to the Council by the Baron and the Aldermen advise him on economical and local matters. The Aldermanic Council convenes on the 15th of each month or when a special need arises to discuss urgent business. The discussions can become quite heated since the interests of the three factions represented often clash. Important issues are voted upon, but the vote has to be unanimous to establish a binding ruling. Issues voted upon over the last three years were the building of the new Mangai Hall, organizational aspects of the Fur Fairs, appointment of a new nightwatchman and town scribe, and endless other odds and ends necessary for the administration of a small town. The current Aldermen of Uldien and their interests are:

Ulvos of Thavel, Chandler

Ulvos currently heads the Aldermanic Council, a position he mostly owes to his wife Zila's skillful gossiping and slander of his competitors. As a judge, he tends to be very biased since his opinion of locals is coloured by his wife's derogatory verbiage. Ulvos is responsible for public works and services in Uldien, street-cleaning, safety of wharves and river embankments, and oversight of the town scribe and records. His pet project is the hiring of a professional executioner. He hopes to attract huge crowds for public executions who then spend money in the local shops, and thinks it might be possible to infringe on the Baron's high jurisdiction in this manner.

Perrin of Carn, Mercantyler / Usurer

One of the wealthiest men in Uldien, Perrin is most concerned with the free flow of trade and the success of the Fur Fairs. Among the Aldermen his knowledge of law is second only to the Baroness' and thus he is responsible for the town's contracts and legal matters and often sits in judgement or as member of the jury. He champions plans to build a bridge over the Nephen River to facilitate the fur trade in the rich hunting grounds on the south bank, but raising the necessary funds and obtaining a grant against Earl Dariune's wishes makes this a very far-fetched idea.

Thyris of Nellag, Metalsmith

Thyris is the representative of the guildsmen on the council, voted into office because the Baron vetoed the appointment of Hamlym of Sligar, the local miller whom Karsin Ubael detests for his arrogance. The metalsmith is well-liked but very shy, making it hard for him to be heard in heated Council discussions. Nevertheless his adivice is often sound and his voice is often the one of reason that calms the other hot-headed Aldermen. He is responsible for the town's weights and measures and hopes to attract more trade by making Uldien a major pilgrimage site.

Serli Firith, Baroness of Uldien

The baroness sits on the council for her husband who haertily detests the guildsmen's bickering. She has her hands full curbing the Mangai Aldermens' grabs for more power and privileges. Serli also supports the pilgrimage trade.

Keldan of Benren, Obasaran of Uldien Abbey

The master of secular affairs is a worldly priest in his sixties. He often sits on the Alderman court as juror and is popular in Uldien for his keen insight and just rulings. At the behest of Serolan Kolas he is the most vocal supporter of the pilgrimage trade and has persuaded the Aldermanic and Mangai councils to support the latest petition for Uldine's canonisation. He is also highly skilled at raising donations.