Parliament of Redwick
Overview
The Parliament of Redwick is the central governing body of Thalwyn, responsible for shaping legislation, overseeing trade, maintaining diplomatic relationships, and regulating the kingdom's economic and military policies. While the monarchy holds supreme power, the parliament provides a structure of governance that allows for collaboration between noble houses, merchants, and various influential factions in the kingdom. Led by the Speaker of the Parliament, a position currently held by Lady Elara au Carthas (née Thalorum), it operates under the watchful eye of King Arwyn au Thalorum, who reserves the final say in all legislative matters.Structure
The Parliament of Redwick is divided into two main chambers:
- The High Council: Composed of noble representatives from major houses, the High Council wields the most influence. These members are handpicked by the ruling monarch, and their decisions often shape the kingdom's military and foreign policy. Noble families with substantial land, military forces, or ancestral ties to Thalwyn often dominate this chamber.
- The Commons Assembly: This chamber consists of influential commoners, merchant guild leaders, and other prominent citizens. While they have limited control over military or foreign policy, the Commons Assembly plays a vital role in managing internal trade laws, infrastructure, and economic matters. Despite its reduced power, the assembly has gained prominence over the years due to the increasing importance of trade in Thalwyn.
Public Agenda
The Parliament of Redwick's public agenda is largely aligned with maintaining the stability and prosperity of Thalwyn. Its key objectives include:
- Preserving the Kingdom's Stability: The Parliament's foremost concern is ensuring that internal conflicts are minimized and that the kingdom remains stable. It focuses on addressing disputes between noble houses, managing resources, and ensuring equitable governance across regions.
- Managing Diplomatic Relations: In light of the ongoing tensions with Ravenmoor, the Parliament is heavily involved in negotiating trade routes and diplomatic agreements. This includes attempts to resolve conflicts along the Bay of Brimstone and negotiate peace where possible.
- Trade and Infrastructure: The Parliament is actively working to improve the kingdom's trade infrastructure, including the construction of new roads, ports, and trade outposts. Additionally, with Princess Elara's leadership, the parliament has been keen on improving relations with foreign merchant guilds and securing lucrative trade contracts.
Assets
The Parliament of Redwick has access to various assets that ensure its influence across Thalwyn, including:
- Treasury of Redwick: The Parliament manages the royal treasury, which contains wealth derived from taxation, trade tariffs, and resource production across Thalwyn. The treasury funds infrastructure projects, the military, and diplomatic missions.
- Parliamentary Guard: A specialized group of guards tasked with protecting the members of parliament and maintaining order within Redwick's walls. Though they are not as elite as the Praetorian Guard, they are well-trained and ensure that the parliament's will is enforced.
- Diplomatic Contacts: Parliament maintains strong diplomatic ties with foreign nations and merchant guilds, allowing it to facilitate trade agreements and negotiate peace treaties. This network extends into Ravenmoor, albeit under strained relations due to the trade blockade.
History
The Parliament of Redwick was founded in 203 BCE by Zephirus and Pythia Thalorum, the same year that Redwick was established as the capital of Thalwyn. Initially a small advisory body, the parliament has grown into a complex and influential institution over the centuries.
The institution has been through many transitions, gaining more responsibilities over time, especially during times of war or political unrest. Despite this, the monarchy has always retained ultimate authority, using the parliament as a tool to delegate responsibilities while ensuring their own interests are at the forefront.
During the reign of King Arwyn au Thalorum, the Parliament became particularly instrumental in managing the conflicts with Ravenmoor and ensuring the stability of the region during tumultuous times. Recent years have seen the parliament strengthen under Princess Elara's leadership, with her ambition pushing for further consolidation of power within its ranks, though her motives may not be entirely clear to the public.
The Parliament continues to play a crucial role in shaping the kingdom's future, serving as the political backbone of Thalwyn, even as internal power struggles quietly fester beneath its surface.
Founding Date
203 BCE
Type
Geopolitical, Republic
Leader
Founders
Location