Government
System: Aristocratic meritocracy guided by council rule.
Ruler: High Chancellor Elise Hartwell — an economist and diplomat who governs through calculated alliances and favors logic over ideology.
Council: The Council of Gold — merchants, scholars, and trade lords who shape policy on commerce, law, and diplomacy.
Legal & Civic Notes: All disputes involving property or trade are resolved through The Balance Court, where contracts are weighed — literally — upon scales said to be blessed by the Agency of Truth.