The Rostrum

Founding

When Vestria first began her rule over Anhara, the greatest speakers of the nation naturally gravitated towards her, as flattery was the premier method for getting ahead. These silver-tongued men went on to become the legendary founders of the noble houses of Anhara, and were designated by the goddess to rule over particular regions of the nation. Due to her fickle nature, the Patriarchs of these great houses saw fit to establish their own council across Lake Mira from the Vestrial Tower, so as to best coordinate their approach to winning Vestria's favor on matters. This group eventually grew to become the Rostrum, seated at the Debate Hall in Meridia, and coordinated the overall government of the nation.

Etymology

The Rostra The Rostrum originally took its name from the Rostra, an elevated and curved speaking platform in the Cloud District. Here, the early group met in full view of the citizenry of the city, so as to allow their meetings to be open to the winds and not be construed as an attempt to hide from Vestria. However, as time marched on, they migrated inside of the Debate Hall, leaving the Rostra to assorted public speakers, and eventually the Expositor.

Structure

Until the First Climbing War, the Rostrum was glutted with houses. As Anhara developed, especially once Vestria ascended in the Crossing Over, some of the nine founding houses lost power to vassals or simply to time. However, there was no real method for removing them from the Rostrum, leading to ancient but less powerful nobles having an equal vote to the currently important houses.

"...paying no fealty to a larger house, and maintaining control over an area of land consisting of a. considerable size b. exceptional economic importance and/or c. historical significance" - Book of Etiquette, "Legality"

Following the noble houses rising up against unjust representation for ancient, but less powerful families, the Book of Etiquette was updated with a legal definition for major houses. Additionally, the Rostrum's rules were modified to allow the removal of those no longer meeting the requirements, as well as one vote per house. Today, the Rostrum consists of fifteen voting members, fourteen of which are the major noble houses, and the Expositor, who represents the minor noble houses. However, the Rhetorlord does not receive an extra vote, rather they are the Rhetor for their own house and is expected to hold their vote until last, in an effort to impartially break ties.

Duties

The Rostrum is the main legislative body of the nation, passing whatever bills they see fit with few legal restrictions. However, the reality often differs from these wide reaching abilities, as the members of the Rostrum seek to maintain the decentralized power of their individual houses as well. Some legislation is passed regardless of the present political climate, with the budget, public works, and maintaining the social hierarchy taking precedence. However, in times of crisis or high centralization, the Rostrum may nationalize the militias and armies of individual houses, approve treaties, or modify laws. The actions of the Rostrum are largely dependent upon the prevailing mood of its members, and how powerful the Rhetorlord is. Most importantly, the Rostrum represents the country, as its image as a deliberative body of lofty intellect and silver-tongues is how most outside the nation, as well as many within, see Anharans.

Meetings

Summoned annually on the first of Churus, the third month, and stretching until the last of Enos, the eighth, the Rostrum sits in the Debate Hall in Meridia's Snowmelt District. While the body generally breaks up to allow Rhetors to return home every two weeks, they sit in session even less frequently. Most of the high politics and low bargaining associated with the Rostrum takes place across Meridia, with the group only coming back together for formal votes or official debates.

"... and if my colleague from the Verdante truly thinks so, perhaps his time spent amongst his trees has turned his head to wood. How any true Anharan can disagree with the points of this measure is beyond me. What drivel he spews, what madness! Have we forgotten our heritage? - The Whistling Observer, "Today's Debates, Reprinted"

Votes are called strategically, with a quorum of seven being required to initiate a voting session. From the Bellows high atop the Debate Hall's spire, a horn is blown to alert the politicians to a vote commencing within five minutes, so they dare not wander too far from the grounds during working hours. However, across the marble walkways of the Snowmelt District, backroom negotiations and politicians meandering the gardens high above the city is a common sight. Within the Rostrum's formal debates, little is said that is unknown to the members, as this is simply a choreographed dance to get the speaker's words on the record, rather than any true attempt at convincing opponents who come to their opinions elsewhere.

Present Makeup

The Rhetorlord
The Expositor
House Aegis
House Buckler
House Castel
House Etan
House Ilia
House Leone
House Meadowbrook
House Mira
House Moray
House Osage
House Prominere
House Semillon
House Thewisy
House Verdi

Type

Governmental, Senate/Parliament

Leader

Talen Ossus

Leader Title

Rhetorlord

Related Ranks & Titles

Controlled Territories

The Debate Hall