The Worthies' Wall

A large, sheltered platform standing in the busiest part of Stolc is the focal point for the city's governance.  This is the Worthies' Wall, where the most respected members of the public make decisions on behalf of the rest of the population.

Purpose / Function

It is logistically impossible to schedule meetings of a body of a hundred or more individuals whose membership can change daily and without notice. The Wall serves as a platform for the Worthies to propose and debate policies without having to convene as a group, and also for the public to be made aware of what those policies are. To propose an idea, a Worthy writes it on the front of one of the notice boards, either directly on the board or by posting a printed sheet, and raises the board to put the message on display.  Comments, arguments, approvals, disapprovals, and amendments are then posted to the board beneath the message.  Verbal discourses may occur when two or more Worthies are present at the Wall, but the outcome of the discussion must be written up in full view of the public. The Wall is also the meeting place for the Cooperative Council, a group that legislates on matters affecting both the day and night shifts.

Alterations

The Wall has expanded in size six times since its original construction.  The moveable boards were installed in 1355 Vol, effectively doubling the useable surface area.

Architecture

The Worthies' Wall is a six-sided, open-air structure.  The notice boards form a hexagon in the center, each side made of a movable board in front of a fixed board.  A roof shelters the boards on all sides, supported by pillars at the corners of the platform.

History

Public notice boards have been a part of Stolc's landscape since it was a collection of evacuee camps just before the start of the Volcanic Era. The Worthies' Wall had its origins in a centrally located board intended to share news. Camp leaders would go at least once a day to read or to contribute, and later pass the information on to their camps. After many camps cleared out for other settlements, the remaining groups moved closer together and established Stolc as a city. The news board was more easily accessible, and most citizens made a point of stopping by every few days to stay informed. There was no limitations on who could contribute, and the single board became several. By the middle of the 5th Volcanic century, a convention had developed whereby any added post must be signed by name and date. Contributions by low-valuation individuals were often defaced. To prevent damage to the boards, a policy was approved that allowed only recognized Worthies to add to the boards, leading to the use of the term "Worthies' Wall". The Wall in its current form was constructed in the 860s Vol. In modern-day Stolc electronic communication is standard, but does not replace the practice of physically posting notices to the Wall.

Type

Gazebo / Bandstand

Parent Location

Stolc