The Twelve Wise Ones
The Twelve Wise Ones were a form of political outreach between the cities and towns of the plains of central Myruthea in the years immediately after the retreat of the ice sheets that had virtually wiped out civilisation following the Sundering.
Representitives from the following cities and towns were appointed locally to be the "wise one" for their settlement.
Klaractazum
Goldgrass
Motrille Harbour
Pale
Eroveth
Ralsimoor
Zalgurim
Drakim
Pinnaswade
Sphoolyn
Quandrelle
Falhill
Structure
The twelve wise ones were the prime appointed decision makers for each settlement. They were not necessarily the leaders of their communities, although often they were, but they were always, at the least, highly ranked and trusted deputies with strong political connections to the leader.
The wise ones met at gatherings known as "Councils of Twelve". These meetings were held only once every twelve years by tradition, although requests could be made for irregular council meetings if four or more of the members desired it.
The Councils of Twelve, in fact hosted many more people than just the twelve principals, since each "wise one" would be accompanied by a retinue of advisors. The venue for a Council of Twelve was rotated between the member communities.
Public Agenda
The aim of the grouping was to facilitate trade between the members and foster peace. Their discussions were most often concerned with the dull but important minutiae of the economic conditions required for the fair progress of commerce. For example, in the early days a lot of time was spent on agreeing common systems of weights and measures and how they would be standardised. What currencies were acceptable for trade between cities? The Council of Twelve not only determined this but also agreed the rates of exchange.
History
The first meeting of the Council of Twelve took place at Klaractazum in the summer of 5342 BPC, hosted by Queen Suryta Maldoff who had been instrumental in the politics that led to its formation.
Disbandment
The last Council of Twelve was held in 4778 BPC. Tensions between member cities had reached such a point that it was difficult to hold the grouping together. More powerful proto-countries wanted to exert greater pressure to dicate their own rules and were impatient with the slow dealing and vetos of the agreements the Twelve Wise Ones accepted. The Unification Wars were about to break out, in which military power would become the means of imposing terms and conditions of trade.
DISBANDED/DISSOLVED
Magicians' End - Suryta Maldoff by DMFW with Night Cafe
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