Lord of the People

After a rebellion years ago, a new seat was placed on the Council. It was to be the voice of the people, representing the common man of Torthuíl. Every five years they elect a new one by popular vote - every single Torthuíl member gets a vote, and it counts. The city is locked down for a week before the vote and all foreign people asked to leave or note their names down in a ‘no vote’ list, to ensure that the polls are only from citizens living there. Polls are conducted over three days at pavilions set up in the town square and watched over by agents from the Offices.   Duties of the Lord of the People are to be in touch with what the common folk want and relay that at meetings. In principle, this means they should be an otherwise ordinary person who hangs out in common society, and occasionally attends city meetings. In practice, a wealthy merchant or property owner usually campaigns to win the vote, appearing in public and weaving a narrative of their relatableness, promising to fight for the common wants in the Council. One vote alone does not sway the Council of 12 very far, but it is the highest office one can attain to be in and is thus highly coveted. Prerequisites for being named Lord of the People is official citizenship in Torthuíl - easily enough attained by being born there, or living for a series of months and then paying a fee.   The current Lord of the People is Kekki Liano, a friendly middleaged orcblood man. Likeable, approachable, rugged good looks, the quintessential ‘man of the people’ - you almost wouldn’t know that he’s one of the richest people in the city, owning a substantial share of a number of businesses and one of the largest landlords.   *He is on his third year of Lordship.