[Wiki Article] Politics in Thul Ka - Draft Summary Article

Sular

Below is a high-level summary of the political situation in the city. Please let me know if this sounds acceptable and offers enough plot hooks and potential for change.

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It is a settled fact that merchants love to haggle. It is also a truth universally to be seen that when merchants found a city and make up so much of its history, politics, and culture, that the spirit of haggling with endure and shape the governance of that city. Thul Ka is no exception.
The Civic Assembly, the governing body of the city, is famously argumentative and divided into factions. So too is the city  with merchants vying against each other and against powerful labor groups, the ancient patrician families, imperial interests, and dozens of other factions. Political life in Thul Ka is neither simple nor quiet and the city’s reputation of quarrels is well deserved.

At the present time, the government of the city is formed by a coalition of two of the political parties: the Brotherhood of the Crocus, representing the traditional merchant interests of increased trade and civic functionality, and the Worshipful Company of Pipefitters, representing the interest of labor and industry. This coalition is itself tenuous for there are great points of division between the two parties and though each needs the other to stay in power, it is unclear if that necessity will be fruitful.  
The rivalry between the Crocus-party Mayor Bulu Erlu Bandu and  Boss Jakali of the Pipefitters is well known and the subject of considerable comment and speculation. It is widely believed that Jakali is preparing herself to run for the office of mayor though she officially denies this.  Nevertheless, Pipefitter organizers have been unusually assiduous in drumming of support and lining up voters ahead of the elections.     

Other parties in the Assembly have capitalized on the fragile government and are even now growing support.  The Fat-Purse Party, advocates for cutting the city’s services, lowering taxes, and doing away with the traditional power and influence of the merchant guilds, have been making inroads among the smaller merchants and business people of the city, siphoning off some of the traditional supporters of the Crocus.  At the same time, the bellicose and radically anti-foreigner Bull Elephant party has been making inroads as well, making allies among those who demand greater public security in the face of an influx of refugees and the looming threat of an expanded revolution.  

The political winds are shifting and no one is quite sure whether they blow fair or foul.     

rillani

I like that the Bull Elephant party is reacting to the growing foreign "threat."  How do the other parties plan to deal with Little Anaxas (if they plan to do anything at all)?

Sular

Allow me to randomly come up with answers.

So, I can see that the Fat-Purse party might not be keen on these foreigners coming in to the city, possibly with limited funds and expecting to be welcomed as though they actually have status and station. 

The Pipefitters might have some concerns about refugees taking jobs, though if most of them are Anaxi galdori that might be less of a concern. 

The Crocus might have a little bit more sympathy, and if the refugees brought money, they could be customers. So, at least they'd not be actively against them for the moment. If the Anaxi stay and try and get in on business, that might change matters. 

There are more political parties I have not yet thought through, so, more to come. 

Sular

Elections and other matters of importance to the city.

I would like to hold in-game elections shortly after launch with the characters actually voting and helping to determine the outcome of the civic elections.  We may end up with a very differently governed city if characters back a variety of candidates. I don't want to have a set outcome but would like to see this as a real opportunity for people to influence the setting itself. 

To that end, any ideas people have on possible assembly candidates and so forth would be great.