Hafford
Hafford is a small city-state heavily dependant on trade which borders the Colarian Theocracy, the Thornterian Empire, and Sover.
Government:
Hafford is usually governed by a small council of seven High Lords. However, there is an unusal procedure that alllowsfor the implementation of a monarch. This procedure allows for one Haffordian citizen to proclaim themselves King or Queen in the event of extraordinary circumstances. Although, the High Lords must all agree to follow this individual. If the High Lords reject the potential Monarch's leadership, they are exiled. This procedure has only ever been enacted twice. Once, 400 years ago when Hafford was faced with a plague, King Drelick de Mandor proclaimed himself Monarch in order to efficiently control the outbreak. Once the plague was over, he subsequently abdicated. But, 250 years ago the infamous King Jerseck Ordilian sought to sieze power of Hafford by instigating a crisis with Sover and the Colarian Theocracy. He refused to abdicate after the "conflict" was resolved and hoped to transfigure Hafford into a hereditary monarchy. He was ousted by Lady Alanda de Mandor, a decendent of former King Drelick de Mandor, after she and her party of adventurers uncovered his plots. Since then, Haffordians have been very protective of their ruling council. Even though tensions with Sover are at an all time high, and the Colarian Theocracy has become more bold despite skirmishes with their northern neighbor, Haffordians generally oppose instituting a Monarch. They would rather the council, although ineffective and corrupt, navigate the increasingly perilous climate.
The Council of Seven:
The Council is goverend by seven High Lords who are generally among the wealthiest in Hafford. Each Lord specializes in one area of government: Law, Diplomacy, Treasury, Fishing, Military, Public Works, and Trade. Traditionally, the Lord of Law presides over council meetings and is generally considered the de-facto head of the council. The council meets daily to discuss various issues and pass new regulations.
There are no term limits for councilors and the councilorship is traditionally passed from father to son. The seven richest houses of Hafford generally hold councilorship; however, there have been cases where a councilor is removed in favor of a different house or when a new house surpasses another in wealth and demands their seat. Although, those instances have been rare. For the past 100 years, the same seven houses have maintained councilorship.
Lord of Law
Lord Seamus Fordel is the current Lord of Law and has been for over 50 years. Lord Fordel is a half-elfven noble and widley considered the richest man in Hafford. His duties include managing law enforcmetn in the city-state as well as manging the durites of the Council of Seven. As Lord of Law, he presides over council meetings and decides the council's agenda. He also decides how laws are implemented after they are approved by the council.
Lord of Diplomacy
Lord Seveer Bahoud currently serves as the Lord of Diplomacy. Lord Bahoud is the newest member of the council, only serving for about 6 years after taking over following the death of his father. He oversees Hafford's relations with neighboring nations as well as those in Alvira. One of his highest priorities is forging strong ties with Albion. Lord Bahoud has often clashed with the Lord of Trade, the Lord of Treasury, and Lord of Military over policy. However, those four Lords have historically disagreed due to conflicting interests. Despite professional disagreements, the four councilors remain on good terms.
Lord of Treasury
Lord Helion Groman has been the Lord Treasurer for 25 years. Under his tenure, the Hafford treasury has become famously stable. Lord Groman is known for his sharp wit and keen intillect. He is notoriously devoted to the treasury and is said to do all the major bookeeping himself. He seems to have a nose for inconsistencies and has personally uncovered scores of tax evaders and embezzelors. Despite this, he has faced several accusations of embezeling treasury funds himself. However, Lord Fordel has declared Lord Groman's charachter beyond question; therefore, Lord Groman has never faced any formal investigation.
Lord of Fishing
Lord Xover Mayndeer originally built his career on the fishing boats before his elder brother's untimely death forced him to assume his current role of Lord of Fishing. The Mayndeer family is the most prominent shiping family in Hafford and owns the majority of ship leases. As a result, most smaller business lease Mayndeer ships out to individual crews who wish to venture out to the deeper sea to fish. Despite Lord Mayndeer's public disdain for the role, he has worked viggorously to restructure the fishing economy. Many fishing businesses--particuarly Mayndeer Shipping--have experiecenced an increase of profits thanks to his work.
Lord of Military
Lord Oros Enteer, often refered to as Commander Enteer, is known for his fierce isolationist policies. He frequently clashes with Lord Bahoud who values a more globalist agenda. Commander Enteer is infamous for his confrontational mannerisms which have been known to anger Soverian officals. Since assuming the position, more than 30 years ago, Lord Enteer has rebuilt the Hafford Navy and expanded ground troops. The Hafford military is no doubt a force to be recconed with. He has made use of Thorntarian technologies to improve Naval ships and weaponry, despite Thornatarian warnings to never use their technology for violent means. He has a particular skill in military prepardeness; though, he is untested in battle as Hafford has not experienced a formal war in centruies.
Lord of Public Works
Lord Jobeer Viklan has faithfully served as Lord of Public Works for 28 years. During this time, he has rebuilt the capital and added countless amenities. Haffordians have praised his devotion to increasing their quality of life. However, many lower-class Haffordians have complained about decreasing amenities and basic infrastructure falling into disrepair.
Lord of Trade
Lord Wathrow Certon has served as Lord of Trade for 17 years. Since Hafford's eonomy is heavily reliant on trade, his job is particularly important. During his tenure, he has improved trade with the Thorntarian Empire in an effort to benefit from their new technologies. Some have taken to calling him the Lord of Deals as he is known for being a shrewd businessman and will do anything to make the best deal for Hafford.
Economy:
Hafford relys heavily on fishing and trade to sustain their economy. Most Haffordians are connected to the fishing business in some way and are adept sailors. However, most Haffordians do not own their own large scale fishing boats and rely on contracts with the elite that allow them to rent out boats and give 50-80% of the profits to the Lord who lented out the boat. However, many lower-class Haffordians use smaller canoes to fish near the shores. This gives them access to a particular spiecies of fish from which a toxin can be extracted. This toxin, colloquially refered to as Blow is a powerful hallucigenic drug. It is usually sold in small vilas that people add to their wine or, for the more daring, drink straight. Due to this drug being highly illegal, a lucrative underground market has developed around the buying and selling of Blow. Despite its illegality, many inns will offer specials that include Blow being added to a drink or served with the meal. Recently the Council of Seven has begun cracking down on the shallow water fishing industry because of this drug. However, many impoverished Haffordians believe the eliete just want to control the Blow market as they have controled the fishing market. While Blow is highly illegal, it is widley available and not always discreetly. The market for this drug has spread beyond Hafford limits and had developed into a compeeting market with Sover's Coral drug.
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