Ruling Council of Eryndlyn
The Ruling Council makes laws for the rest of Eryndlyn, but those of us on the council rarely follow them as precisely we wrote them. What is the point of law without the gaining of power, especially in the Underdark?Deep in twisting tunnels and dark caverns, the only law that exists is the law of survival of the fittest. In some ways, that lawlessness reaches into the cities of the Underdark, creating places on the cusp of civilization, but their lack of law leaves them on a precipice somewhere between order and chaos. In the synthetic light of Drow cities, the only thing that stands as the law of the twisted city is a council of the same women that revel in the lawlessness of their society. In the Drow city of Eryndlyn, a ruling council was formed from the Matron Mothers of the nine highest-ranked noble houses. These women stood as the elite of the city, those that would hopefully keep the best interests of the city and her people in their minds. But in a world with very few laws to begin with, those groups tasked with making laws become less of lawmakers and more politicians as they maneuver themselves into places of higher power. The Ruling Council of Eryndlyn has stood as long as the city, and for two thousand years has been led by the Matron Mother of House Duskryn. House Duskryn and its women have been known for their benevolence, a forward-thinking mindset that has brought the city to relative peace. While the laws enacted by the council are nowhere near as strict as those enforced by the surface Elves, the punishments in the Underdark are much more severe.
Structure
The Ruling Council of Eryndlyn consists of the Matron Mothers of the nine highest-ranked noble houses. A position on the council is never permanent nor guaranteed as the rankings often shift with events that occur in the city. Currently, three of the positions on the ruling council are occupied by the Matrons of House Baenre, House Duskryn, and House T'sarran.
One Matron Mother serves as the leader of this council and is often the deciding factor when laws and issues come to vote. The Matron of the highest rank house occupies this position and is often in charge for decades as it is a powerful position to question. Currently, this position is in the hands of Matron Elerra Duskryn.
Public Agenda
Over the centuries, the agenda of the council will change with the whims of the Matrons that are on it. For the last two thousand years, a Matron from House Duskryn has led the council. These women are known for their benevolence and have helped the council enact laws that are less strict and with less harsh punishments that have occurred in the past.
The noble houses still have full power in their domains and many of the laws created do not supersede this, but the council has been focusing on laws that involve worship, cleanliness, and other laws that would aid in keeping the city in the best condition for their trade routes and visitors. The Ruling Council also had a large hand in helping to establish the Eryndlyn Trade Agreement.
Under No Moon, the Huntress Walks Among Us
Type
Geopolitical, City council
Leader
Leader Title
Government System
Oligarchy
Legislative Body
Contrary to what many on the surface believe, Drow cities are often an oligarchy, with a council that votes on and establishes laws. This is the case in Eryndlyn, and the ruling council makes all legislative decisions. If there is a disagreement, then the leader of the council often makes the final decision.
Judicial Body
In the Underdark, the ruling council of a city often serves as the judge and jury of those that dare question their laws. Punishment for breaking even the simplest of laws is often harsh and extreme, with the most favored punishment being death.
Not all punishments are carried out by the council as some houses choose to carry out the punishments themselves. There are also a few instances, such as the destruction of a noble house, that are carried out by those involved, and not the council.
Location
Official Languages
Controlled Territories
Notable Members
Related Ethnicities
The quote at the beginning is really interesting. It certainly shows the mindset of the ruling council.