Speakers for the Ancestors

The Speakers for the Ancestors are the ruling body of the Radiant Citadel. They must maintain the internal stability of a large and diverse city and ensure its people are treated equally and fairly under the law. Simultaneously, they manage a complex relationship with the founding civilizations. The Speakers’ first duty is to the Radiant Citadel, which sometimes puts them at odds with the governments of the founding civilizations, particularly in tariff disputes or major crises. Thus far, the Radiant Citadel’s policy is to resolutely remain neutral in all conflicts—whether they involve the founding civilizations or otherwise. However, the Citadel seeks to rescue refugees and send humanitarian aid to the limits of its resources

Akharin Sangar	Atagua	Dayawlongon	Djaynai & Janya	Godsbreath
Sholeh	Oru 'Orchid' Táreru	Gio Posadas	Darael	Ellis Greyshore

San Citlán	Sensa	Shankhabhumi	Siabsungkoh	Tayyib
Paz Moreno Salazar	Kasim Aboidun	Palki Bhatiyali	Aom Myahkoom	Anriakia Karavadra

Tletepec	Umizu	Yeonido	Yongjing	Zinda
Xochitl Zaca	Hanamura Tanaka	Seong Su-Min	Xing Zhong-Qian	Pirro Sur

Structure

Candidates are chosen through an election among the diaspora of the people they represent. Once a candidate has been elected, they must face the fifteen founding Dawn Incarnates and pass their tests. Some Dawn Incarnates question the candidate until they are satisfied, while others send the candidate on a quest. These trials ensure Speakers understand each of the founding civilizations of the Radiant Citadel.
Once a Speaker for the Ancestors is chosen, they hold office for ten years. At the end of their tenure, they can step down; if they don’t, they must face the same selection process again. There is no assurance a Speaker will be reelected, or if they are, that the Dawn Incarnates will approve them again.
While decisions by the Speakers are made by simple majority, each Speaker has a very powerful veto that prevents them from being marginalized by political alliances. Since every Speaker has the ability to paralyze trade and major transit to the city, they are forced to find diplomatic resolutions to disagreements. Though the use or threat of a veto might prompt furious debates and intense rivalries, eventually the Speakers for the Ancestors find solutions.
As founding civilizations are rediscovered and rejoin the Radiant Citadel, the council is expanded, and the new Speakers gain power equal to that of their peers.
Once a Speaker no longer holds office, they lose the powers related to their position. If a Speaker steps down before the end of their term or dies while in office, all basic necessities in the Radiant Citadel gradually cease to function. Unless a suitable replacement for that Speaker is elected and approved by the Dawn Incarnates within thirty days, plants in the Radiant Citadel stop growing, wells run dry, and lighting ceases to function. Similarly, a Speaker cannot leave the Radiant Citadel for more than thirty days before the city’s basic utilities begin to fail.
Speakers for the Ancestors are often celebrated heroes capable of handling most danger that comes their way, yet they are so vital to the integrity of the Radiant Citadel that each is carefully protected, both magically and by contingents of guards.

Type

Geopolitical, City council

Location

Preserve of the Ancestors

Controlled Territories

• The Radiant Citadel

Notable Members

• Seong Su-Min
• Sholeh