Council of Niole Dra

The Council of Niole Dra, often called the Court of the Land, is made up of major nobility and heads of historic guilds and secret societies of Keoland. The council wields significant power in Keoland, and is the sole organization allowed to levy taxes or decide matters of royal succession.

Description

The Council is based in the capital of Niole Dra, and meets all year round except during the four festival weeks of the calendar. It numbers approximately 100 members, and disproportionately represented by the Oeridian nobility, unlike the royalty which is dominated by the ancient Suel houses.
In addition to selecting the heir to the throne and levying taxes, responsibilities of the council include settling disputes among the nobility and other matters of government. Decisions are typically made by a simple majority of votes.
The Council also ratifies amendments of the Founding Charter of the Kingdom, something which has occurred only twice in Keoland's history and requires a near unanimous decision. The charter lays down the rights and responsibilities of nobility and commoner alike, including the independence of the council.