Rathgar City Council
The ruling body of the Citystate of Rathgar, the City Council, a mutable body of wealthy local businessmen. As well as governing body of the city the Council meets regularly to pass laws and make policies for the city. While officially a majority vote of a quorum of Councilmen is required to enact a statue, the general practice in the city is that any one Councilman’s word is considered law, unless directly contradicted by a two or more Councilmen. As a result, the minor laws and rules of the city change daily at the convenience of its leaders.
To gain a seat on the Council it is a simple, two step process. First, a person must be invited into the Council by another member. Such invitations are both given, for political gain, and purchased. Second, a person must pay an initiation fee of 2,500 gold crowns for their seat. The seat then becomes theirs – and their heir’s, for as long as they maintain an annual membership fee of 1,000 gold crowns. Should their fee’s lapse, even for a day, the seat is lost and a new invitation and initiation fee must be paid. Currently, 23 men and women sit on the Council.
While the price of membership is high, the prestige and power of sitting on the council is far reaching. First and foremost, the Council controls the city's militia, known simply as the Free Militia. Although small, it doubles as the local constabulary and many political enemies have been arrested at the pleasure of a Councilman on vague charges. The Council also serves as judge and jury to any criminal proceeding. Most proceedings are short and one-side – with those involved in more base crimes tried and punished en masse.
Most importantly, however, the Council meets every Beltane to set tariffs on imports and fishing quotas for the year. As trade – especially the fish trade – is the lifeblood of the legitimate economy in Rathgar, these debates are often hotly contested. On more than one occasion, a dissenting Councilman has met with an unfortunate accident immediately before the vote.
Type
Geopolitical, City council
Parent Organization
Location
Controlled Territories
Notable Members