Overview

Saltminsters Claim is a small kingdom governed by a tribal court. The current government is relatively young, led by descendants of the original fourteen families who settled the city of Saltminster. Power has been passed down through these bloodlines. The responsibilities of governance are divided among the fourteen rulers, who meet bi-monthly to discuss the state's operations. Saltminsters Claim and the kingdom of Hammer Hold refrain from involving themselves in Bail’s tumultuous politics, as the resulting covert and open conflicts can be costly and devastating. A key focus of Saltminsters Claim’s court is the pursuit of opportunity.

Government Operation

The fourteen clans that govern Saltminster’s Claim each have one clan elder who represents them in council meetings. These elders primarily engage in discussions during the bi-monthly meetings held at the city hall. Moreover, these leaders are the main governing body of the kingdom. However, other clan members may speak during these meetings, provided they have permission from their elders. The diverse composition of these clans enables the general public to interact with individuals involved in the country's politics, allowing ordinary citizens to express their grievances to the government.

The size of the clans provides enough personnel to lead and administer the nation, resulting in a compact yet efficient governing system. However, a drawback of this system is its centralization; all key personnel for governance are based in the capital city. As a result, people living on the outskirts of the kingdom often struggle to access effective means of communicating with the government.

Clan Elder: Often the oldest member of a clan. They are responsible for collaborating with the other thirteen members to make crucial decisions for the kingdom.

Clan Member: A member of one of the ruling families, they can be granted the authority to speak on behalf of their clan by the elder at meetings, and they are often assigned important administrative tasks throughout the kingdom.

Warden: A warden is an exceptional individual who is given Clan Member status, despite not being related to any of the fourteen ruling families. They are rare, and they have the same authority and responsibility as a Clan Member.

Saltminster’s Claim does not maintain a standing army, relying instead on a substantial guard force. The country aims to avoid significant military conflict, as its small size and rural economy put it at a disadvantage. When the government requires a fighting force, it issues a call for fit men from all corners of the kingdom to arm themselves and gather in the capital. This militia-style force is rarely assembled and is typically convened only in the most dire circumstances. The fittest members of the guard force are also drafted into combat, while the less fit remain in the capital and surrounding towns and villages to maintain peace and order.

Guard Captain: A skilled warrior who is usually a member of one of the ruling clans. They are responsible for maintaining peace, planning the kingdom's defense, and organizing the guard force.

City Guard: A guard of Saltminsters Claim, decently trained and organized, but often poorly equipped.

Millitia: Men and women called to battle in the kingdom's most dire times. Equipped with whatever they can find and organized into small bands.