The Talan'thir Concord

Among the mighty Soul Oak trees of the Feynault forest, the Elves have established a loose confederation of settlements. These settlements disdain the idea of a single ruler, but instead band together for protections and preservation of the Elven ways.

The Talan’thir Concord is ruled by a representative council, known as the Council of Many Leaves. It meets once a season (or more often as needed) in the village of Aerelindor, upon the highest branches of the Soul Oak Aelthera, in the Hall of Many Leaves.

The Council is comprised of a representative from every settlement in the Concord, along with a representative from the Elven knightly order the Leaf Walkers, and the Chief Bard of the Fëthar Telianor, the Elvish Loresingers Guild. From that number, Council members select two leaders, known as the Holder of the White Rod and the Holder of the Black Rod, so named for the colored ash staves that they use in the performance of their office.

The Holder of the White Rod (more often simply called the White Rod), is the nominal leader of the Council. The White Rod calls the Council to order. On any issue to be discussed, the White Rod speaks first, determines the order of speaking, oversees debate, announces when consensus has been reached, and ensures everyones voices are heard. The current White Rod is Counselor Laerith “Willowmantle” Aelthera, an older Treefolk with bark-textured skin around the eyes, calm voice, and immense patience. Laerith is the current counselor from Aerelindor. Laerith is considered the “true north” of the Council.

The Holder of the Black Rod (or more simply, the Black Rod) serves as the opposing voice in the Council, playing "devil's advocate" on issues before the Council. The Black Rod always speaks second, and is able to call for a vote when consensus seems remote (although his call for a vote can be rejected by a two thirds vote of the Council). The Black Rod can also call for a meeting outside of the standard meeting times. When this occurs, the roles of Black Rod and White Rod switch. The current Black Rod is Counselor Palanar Greenbough, the representative from the village of Creek Hollow. Palanar is a male Elf, known for being blunt, practical, and fiercely protective of his people. Palanar advocates for more cooperation with the government of Veltingard, and wants to push into the Dark Forest to reclaim some of that benighted land.

Voting, when called, is done through alchemically treated leaves. A "yes" vote on an issue will cast a green leaf, a "no" vote a red leaf. The results are tallied by the two Rods; a simple majority wins the vote.

Every Council meeting opens with a song sung by the Chief Bard of the Fëthar Telianor. At the end of a Council session, the Chief Bard, or a singer chosen by them, will chant the actions of the Council in song. The current Chief Bard is Virelassa Lairë’Lindar, recently selected for the position. Young for the position of Chief Bard, Virelassa has been a rising star in bardic circles for years. When the elder Anduinor Stormsong laid down the ceremonial lyre of the Chief Bard, he encouraged the election of his former pupil and apprentice to succeed him. While Virelassa can speak during Council meetings, she has so far preferred to let her songs speak for her. Virelassa has recently been singing about the Crown of Fire.