Council of Ten
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FEATURED
The Council of Ten was established by royal decree from the Farenian Empire, tasked with governing Bridgeport. The Council was created to replace the single mayor system with a more balanced and representative body, ensuring that the city's leadership was both strong and competent enough to maintain its status as a critical port for trade between Alana's major powers.
The council determines the taxes to collect and deliberates on new laws pertaining to property rights among merchants operating in various districts across the town. As a result, many residents find comfort in the competent handling of their home affairs by these wise men and women, despite the fact that the poorer districts of the city often perceive the council's decisions as favoring the wealthy. It is only a matter of time before this discontent causes unrest.
Primary Responsibilities
The Council of Ten oversees nearly every aspect of governance in Bridgeport:Taxation and Economic Regulation
The Council determines tax rates and policies, ensuring they are sufficient to fund city operations while encouraging trade and business activity. They also set tariffs on goods imported and exported through the ports, a crucial function given Bridgeport’s role as a major trading hub. Additionally, the Council has to ensure that the Empire gets its share.Legislation and Law Enforcement:
The Council deliberates on new laws, particularly those affecting property rights, commercial regulations, and public safety. They also oversee the city's law enforcement agencies, including the Black Guard, which maintains order and investigates crimes.Harbour and Maritime Management
The Council supervises all aspects of harbour operations, including port security, ship traffic, and customs duties. The Harbour Master, a key official under the Council's authority, ensures that Bridgeport’s ports remain efficient and secure. Only a few years ago, the local office of the Royal Airship Company of Farenia has been added to this responsibility.Guild Regulation
The Council regulates the various guilds within Bridgeport, ensuring fair practices and managing the registration of apprenticeships. This oversight helps maintain the quality of goods and services in the city while protecting the rights of workers.Public Health and Sanitation
The Council monitors public health through officials like the City Physician and Plague Inspector, managing sanitation efforts to prevent disease outbreaks. They also oversee the distribution of charity to the poor through the Almoner.Public Communication and Information
The Council controls the dissemination of information through the Town Criers and other channels, ensuring that the public is informed of new laws, taxes, and significant events. They also manage the city’s official documents and records.Administrative Oversight
The Council manages the city's administrative staff, ensuring that roles such as clerks, scribes, and stewards are filled by competent individuals. They oversee the day-to-day operations of the city’s bureaucracy.Infrastructure and Fire Prevention
Overseeing the maintenance and enhancement of city walls, streets, bridges, and public buildings, while organising fire watches and enforcing building regulations to minimise fire hazards.Council of Ten by Tillerz using MJ
The Citadel of Bridgeport
The Council convenes in the Citadel of Bridgeport (aka "The Tenner"), a grand structure that symbolises the city's wealth and power. The Citadel not only houses the Council’s chambers but also contains the city’s main administrative offices, legal courts, and archives. The structure is heavily guarded, reflecting the importance of the Council and the sensitivity of the decisions made within its walls. The central meeting hall of the Council is the Chamber of Ten.Challenges and Controversies
While the Council of Ten has been effective in maintaining Bridgeport’s prosperity and order, their decisions are often viewed as favouring the wealthy and powerful, particularly the merchant and noble factions. This has led to growing discontent in the poorer districts where residents feel neglected and overtaxed. The Council's policies, though aimed at keeping Bridgeport economically strong, risk alienating the city’s lower classes, potentially leading to unrest. The frequent 5:5 ties in Council votes reflect the divisions within the city’s power structure. As a result, the role of the chairman is especially significant, with the power to tip the balance on critical issues. This dynamic has made the position of chairman highly sought after, often leading to intense political manoeuvring within the Council.
Maps
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Bridgeport County
Most southern part of Farenia.
Brought to you by
Type
Geopolitical, City council
Alternative Names
The Tennies
Demonym
Tennie
Parent Organization
Subsidiary Organizations
Location
Members
Staff
The list may be incomplete. Several roles can be filled by the same person.
Administrative Roles
- Clerk: Records proceedings, maintains records, and assists with paperwork.
- Bailiff: Enforces laws and collects fines on behalf of the Council.
- Steward: Manages the Council's household and finances.
- Scribe: Drafts official documents and correspondence.
- Constable: Maintains order and investigates crimes.
- Night Watchman: Patrols the city streets after dark.
- Jailer: Manages the city prison and its prisoners.
- Harbour Master: Oversees port operations and ship traffic.
- Customs Officer: Collects duties on imported goods.
- Lighthouse Keeper: Maintains the lighthouse to guide ships safely.
- Guild Masters: Represent various trade guilds in legal matters.
- Apprenticeship Registrar: Manages records of guild apprenticeships.
- Town Crier: Announces official proclamations and news.
- Bell Ringer: Signals important events and times of day.
- Tax Collector: Gathers taxes and fees for the city.
- Market Inspector: Ensures fair trade practices in city markets.
- Weights and Measures Officer: Verifies accuracy of scales and measurements.
- Advocate: Represents parties in legal disputes.
- Notary: Certifies and authenticates legal documents.
- City Physician: Advises on public health matters.
- Plague Inspector: Monitors for signs of disease outbreaks.
- Rat Catcher: Controls vermin populations to prevent disease.
- Coroner: Investigates suspicious deaths.
- Almoner: Distributes charity to the poor on behalf of the city.
- Translator: Assists with foreign merchants and diplomats.
Future Outlook
As Bridgeport continues to grow in importance, the Council of Ten faces increasing pressure to balance the needs of all its citizens, not just the elite. How they navigate these challenges will determine the future stability and prosperity of the city. The potential for reform, or possibly even conflict, looms as the Council strives to maintain its grip on power while addressing the growing unrest among the city’s poorer residents.Decree of
Establishment and Governance
of the Council of Ten
Article I
Establishment of the Council of Ten
Formation: The Council of Ten shall be the supreme governing authority of Bridgeport, replacing the former office of the mayor. The Council shall consist of ten members, each representing a significant faction or aspect of Bridgeport society, as outlined in Article II.
Tenure: Council members shall serve terms of three years. Terms may be renewed according to the procedures outlined herein, and members shall remain in office until their successors are duly elected or appointed.
Election and Appointment: When a council seat becomes vacant, the remaining members shall initiate the election process as prescribed in Article III, ensuring a fair and transparent selection of new members.
Chairmanship: The Council shall elect a chairman from among its members, who shall preside over meetings and hold the power of the tiebreaking vote. The chairman shall serve a term of five years and may be re-elected.
Article II
Composition of the Council
[...]
Article III
Duties and Responsibilities
[...]
Article IV
Election Procedures
Vacancy Announcement: Upon the vacancy of a council seat, the Council shall publicly announce the opening through placards and town criers, inviting suggestions for candidates from the citizens of Bridgeport.
Candidate Selection: The Council shall review all suggestions, including nominations from its members, and compile a final list of five candidates deemed most suitable for the role.
Voting Rounds: The Council shall conduct voting rounds among its members to elect the new council member, with rounds continuing until one candidate receives a majority vote.
Appointment: The elected candidate shall be formally appointed to the Council and shall assume their duties immediately.
Article V
Enforcement and Continuity
Enforcement of Laws: The Council of Ten shall have the authority to enforce all laws, ordinances, and regulations within Bridgeport, with the support of the Black Guard and other law enforcement bodies.
Continuity of Governance: In the event of a crisis or emergency, the Council shall take all necessary measures to ensure the continued governance and stability of Bridgeport, including the temporary assumption of additional powers as required.
Reporting to the Crown: The Council of Ten shall report regularly to Her Majesty, Queen Eleanor Rani, or her appointed representatives, regarding the state of the city and any matters of significance.
By the authority vested in me, Queen Eleanor Rani of Farenia, I hereby decree this document as the official charter establishing the Council of Ten and defining its duties and responsibilities. May it serve to guide and govern the city of Bridgeport with wisdom and justice for the benefit of all its people.
Signed,
Farenia, 2861 PB, Sunpeak 27th
Queen Eleanor Rani of Farenia
EleanorRani of Farenia
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This is GM information
I like the implications that while they are meant to be a fair body with city's best interests at heart, this is not always the case. People are people, after all.
They are human, after all... well, not all of them.