City State of Aljun

Aljun is a wealthy state on the West coast of Ëaqelun, consisting for the most part of the city of Aljun itself as well as extensive forests and fields to the north and east of the city. Aljun is, despite those additional, rural areas, widely regarded as a city state. This is mostly due to the dominance of the city in almost every aspect of governance. Aljun relies heavily on the stream Enas for trade and agriculture. It connects the realms of Cerin, Darmadûn and Caras Galerion with Aljun and is the dominant way to transport goods and people.   The Council of the City creates the laws and is responsible for the upholding of the ethos of wealth and free trade inside the cities walls. A seat on the Council is earned literally by the amount of wealth and power of a person. Membership can therefore fluctuate often, with one year beeing the minimum time one is appointed as Council Member. Each year, the Council members have to prove their ongoing success and wealth to the Board of Judges, a group of highly regarded individuals who are strictly neutral. To achieve their neutrality, they are forbidden to perform any craft organized in one of the cities guilds or have any businesses or wealth themselves, instead beeing payed by the city itself. A special tax is charged to collect this money, the "Board Tax". Beeing a member of the Board of Judges is a prestigious post, given only to very carefully selected individuals. Only the board can appoint another member, giving it the role of "Aspirant" and prepared extensivly for their new role. The amount of Judges as well as Aspirants is strictly limited and controlled at all times.   The guildes of the city carry out the will of the Council by enacting the laws and forcing the members of the guild to act according to it. In return, guildes can propose law changes to the Council, who then have to debate on it.     Aljun Ducats are the official currency of the city, although many forms of payment are accepted. This may range from naturals to labour, including several forms of debt slavery and servitude. Aljun Ducats are made of silver, the required raw materials are traded with the mountainous realms of Darmadûn and Cerin. Due to the power of the city, those Ducats are highly regarded and accepted in most coastal cities of the West.