Riverhelm's governing body may seem complex to some outsiders but to a Nord, the way is simple. The ruler of the kingdom and lands around it is the Jarl. The Jarl (or Nordic King/Queen) is the most influential and powerful men/woman in the realm. The Jarl will always have the final say on any matter or decision and it's the Jarls soul duty, to serve the people they govern. It is important to note that the right of Jarl is not a divine right or soul position of a family. The Nords believe that the people have the power to change the world. ANYONE can challenge the Jarl and question his decision. However, by voicing against his/her actions is to challenge the Jarl for leadership. The Nords believe that "If you think you can do a better job, then you damn well better prove it." The fight for the position of Jarl is a fight to the death. A Jarl is at any point allowed to step down from his/her throne, but the position is to fought for.
On rare occasions however, the people have the power to elect a new Jarl once the prior one has passed. This is called a moot. If the people voice their opinion with overwhelming support, a new Jarl will be placed of their choosing. This has taken place only on 3 occasions. (King Jarrod, King Hector II, and King Farron). Majority of the time when a moot happens, the people have chosen to support a younger heir to the throne rather than the older sibling. It should also be noted that traditionally, the first born (male or female) will be the next Jarl if unchallenged.
The Government of Riverhelm will always be dominated by one of the the great houses of Riverhelm. The longest standing, and most notable house/clan/family that has ruled over Riverhelm is the Winterheart Clan. (for more info on houses, see houses page).
The Jarl is appointed with choosing their own personal court in order to better help his/her rule. The positions are simple and jobs are very distinct. Any position can be appointed to anyone in the realm, as well as taken away by the Jarl at any point. It's a great honor to be chosen in the court.
The court positions are:
The Kings Hand: assigned as the Jarl's personal adviser. He is to assist in any and all matters.
The Jarl's Houscarl: The Jarl's personal body guard(s) that are to protect him and the safety of his personal family (children and spouse). It is not unheard of that a Jarl of Thane were to marry his/her housecarl.
The Court Chancellor: the chancellor is meant to advise and assist in foreign policy. When it comes to affairs outside the kingdom and political situations involving other realms, territories, or provinces, the Chancellor is called.
The Court Steward: the steward of the court is assigned to take care of the finances of the realm. He deals with taxes, building projects, salaries, and anything deal in with gold or coin. Should know the cost of anything, even a kiss.
The Court Wizard: The court wizard is placed to deal with and assess any dealing with magic and the arcane. Nords often have little knowledge of magical forces and thus the court wizard's opinion is highly sought after. If an issue arise that may include magical forces, the court wizard takes action.
The Court Martial: the military advisore to the Jarl. Often a commander in the realm's army that has proven himself, the Martial will give military advise and planning. He is also charged with the defense of the city. (Note: the true commander and leader of a realm's army is the Jarl himself),
The Court Chaplin: The Chaplin is the religious leader of the court. He is to assist and convey any and all religious affairs. The Chaplin is usually studied in many forms of religion but is often times a follower of the City's faith. The position is often respected greatly.
The Court Spymaster: The spymaster's position is a secret, for obvious reasons, and the only persons knowing of his identity are the Jarl and the Kings Hand. The spymaster's duty is to uncover any and all plots within the kingdom. They find out who is trust worthy and who needs a trip to the castle dungeon. If ever the spymaster is discovered, a new one is placed into the court. Spymasters are often time esteemed rouges.
Court Thanes: Nobles, leaders, and heroes that have proven themselves vital to the realm may be awarded the title of Thane. It is the highest position, besides an official court member, that the Jarl can bestow. Thanes are to be respected and often times feared for their political power and skills.
On rare occasions however, the people have the power to elect a new Jarl once the prior one has passed. This is called a moot. If the people voice their opinion with overwhelming support, a new Jarl will be placed of their choosing. This has taken place only on 3 occasions. (King Jarrod, King Hector II, and King Farron). Majority of the time when a moot happens, the people have chosen to support a younger heir to the throne rather than the older sibling. It should also be noted that traditionally, the first born (male or female) will be the next Jarl if unchallenged.
The Government of Riverhelm will always be dominated by one of the the great houses of Riverhelm. The longest standing, and most notable house/clan/family that has ruled over Riverhelm is the Winterheart Clan. (for more info on houses, see houses page).
The Jarl is appointed with choosing their own personal court in order to better help his/her rule. The positions are simple and jobs are very distinct. Any position can be appointed to anyone in the realm, as well as taken away by the Jarl at any point. It's a great honor to be chosen in the court.
The court positions are:
The Kings Hand: assigned as the Jarl's personal adviser. He is to assist in any and all matters.
The Jarl's Houscarl: The Jarl's personal body guard(s) that are to protect him and the safety of his personal family (children and spouse). It is not unheard of that a Jarl of Thane were to marry his/her housecarl.
The Court Chancellor: the chancellor is meant to advise and assist in foreign policy. When it comes to affairs outside the kingdom and political situations involving other realms, territories, or provinces, the Chancellor is called.
The Court Steward: the steward of the court is assigned to take care of the finances of the realm. He deals with taxes, building projects, salaries, and anything deal in with gold or coin. Should know the cost of anything, even a kiss.
The Court Wizard: The court wizard is placed to deal with and assess any dealing with magic and the arcane. Nords often have little knowledge of magical forces and thus the court wizard's opinion is highly sought after. If an issue arise that may include magical forces, the court wizard takes action.
The Court Martial: the military advisore to the Jarl. Often a commander in the realm's army that has proven himself, the Martial will give military advise and planning. He is also charged with the defense of the city. (Note: the true commander and leader of a realm's army is the Jarl himself),
The Court Chaplin: The Chaplin is the religious leader of the court. He is to assist and convey any and all religious affairs. The Chaplin is usually studied in many forms of religion but is often times a follower of the City's faith. The position is often respected greatly.
The Court Spymaster: The spymaster's position is a secret, for obvious reasons, and the only persons knowing of his identity are the Jarl and the Kings Hand. The spymaster's duty is to uncover any and all plots within the kingdom. They find out who is trust worthy and who needs a trip to the castle dungeon. If ever the spymaster is discovered, a new one is placed into the court. Spymasters are often time esteemed rouges.
Court Thanes: Nobles, leaders, and heroes that have proven themselves vital to the realm may be awarded the title of Thane. It is the highest position, besides an official court member, that the Jarl can bestow. Thanes are to be respected and often times feared for their political power and skills.