The Royal Council of Brighthold AKA The Nine

The Royal Council of Brighthold, also known as The Nine, serves as the governing body of the city, composed of nine influential figures including noble merchants, esteemed guild leaders, and venerable aristocrats. Officially, their role is to steer the city towards prosperity by facilitating robust trade and ensuring strict adherence to law and order. Each council member is selected based on their purported dedication to the city's welfare and their expertise in managing its complex economic and social systems.
Despite their noble titles and distinguished positions, the reality behind their governance tells a different story. These council members are primarily driven by personal gain and power, focusing on policies and decisions that favor their own interests or enhance their influence. As a result, the broader populace of Brighthold often bears the burden of this self-serving leadership.
The city's infrastructure, public services, and quality of life are frequently compromised, leaving many residents to grapple with inadequacies that range from poor living conditions to unjust legal practices. Complaints and pleas from the common folk tend to go unaddressed, as the council's agenda seldom aligns with the needs of the ordinary citizens they are supposed to serve. This disconnect between the rulers and the ruled has fostered a growing discontent among the people of Brighthold, who feel increasingly marginalized and exploited under the council's rule.