Penthos , Political Inner Workings
"The shining beacon on the edge of the great sea. "
Government structure of PenthosThe great city of Penthos is ruled by five royal families who squabble and fight for power all the time. Much like Great Britain there is a parliamentary structure which does most of the actual work of ruling and creating laws. The royal family in charge gets to appoint the prime minister and the minister of judgement. Whichever royal families that aren’t in control get to appoint the other ministers. Parliament of Penthos - A group of politicians who do the bulk of governing work for the city and believe they do for the continent as a whole. This, obviously, depending on who you talk to may or may not hold water. It is made up of a prime minister, a minister of judgement, the minister of laws and punishment, a minister of Tanaheim (like a Secretary of State), a minister of gaming and entertainment and a minister of war. The royal families all have different internal structures to them. Most favor the classic King/Queen/Prince/Princess style format but some use Duchies and Barons and other titles. Each family has a complex set of titles that weave through the generations and provide rank.
The five royal families-
- House Durrilan
- House Kerrigan
- House Nuxhall
- House Quail
- House Verros
House Kerrigan - The second most powerful family typically, though their last generation may have upset their position. The lazy pampered Baron Hutchess Kerrigan who is the highest ranking royal in the family is destroying their reputation. Known for his gambling and womanizing their once great fortune is dwindling and they may fall to the bottom of the five families. Or could a minor ambitious young duke changer their fortunes?
House Nuxhall - This house was founded on pragmatism and not taking risks. This always guarantees them a place at the table but rarely lets them take control of the city. Many Nuxhall’s get minister positions due to their intelligence and knowledge of history. Their conservative positions mean that when they do get to control parliament and make laws most people find them distasteful.
House Quail - The newest of the five houses, they gained a foothold 300 years ago. A brilliant rogue by the name of quail conned his way into power through blackmail and shady political maneuvering. After this almost brought the whole system down and threatened to send the city into a bloody civil war documents were provided that proved that Quail was a descendant of an ancient royal family giving him his bona fides. Whether these documents were incredible luck or part of a bigger scam has never been proven. At this point most would prefer not to dig into it.
House Verros - The up and comers of this generation, the Verros family has struck it rich in shipping and mining. They are gunning for the top spot and seem to be the odds on favorite to achieve it this cycle. Unless the rumors are true, that much of their wealth comes from a strange alliance with local pirates and a powerful thieves guild.
Popular Businesses - Bars / Taverns / Inns - Estenheim Stay Over - A large three story inn with 20 separate rooms and a large bar with food service on the bottom level. The Dagger Cat - A popular but messy tavern that serves the best alcohol in town. The food is sub par but nobody usually cares. This is the best place to find a sleazy contact or a roguish type. Stores / Shoppes / Supplies - Craftsmen / Smithies / Tinkerers - Banks / Loans / Accountants - Guilds / Security / Public Services -
Type
Geopolitical, Free City
Government System
Electocracy
Power Structure
Federation
Economic System
Market economy
Subsidiary Organizations
Comments