Wintermark political leadership

Wintermark remains sparsely populated and the only real city is the former capital at Kalpaheim in Hahnmark. The majority of Winterfolk live in one of the many small settlements, called Halls, that dot the land. Each Hall is led by a Thane, and although Imperial justice is now dispensed by trained magistrates, the Thane continues to settle disputes that lie outside the law and to provide civic and military leadership.

The forerunner of the Senate was the Witan, a grand moot held at Kalpaheim. Here the representatives of each Hall met to discuss the business of the nation with the King under a process laid down by King Godric and his advisors when Wintermark was formed. The monarchy was disbanded when Wintermark joined the Empire, but the tradition of the Witan has endured. Today it is as much a festive gathering as a ruling council, and an opportunity for the three peoples to meet and remind themselves of their unity. At the Witan many Winterfolk who involve themselves in national and Imperial business gather to eat, drink and plan for the year ahead. It is also a time for finding husbands and wives, for seeking out mentors or apprentices, resolving internal conflicts and generally keeping the Nation of Wintermark functioning as a strong, healthy whole.

Each territory is traditionally a strong seat of each culture, and the senators for each territory are therefore chosen by those that adhere to that culture. Territories have been lost, so currently the Steinr select the senator for Hahnmark, the Suaq select the senator for Tsirku and the Kallavesi the senator for Kallavesa.

An old tradition of selection was laid down by the Witan when Wintermark joined the Empire. For a territory, each candidate who wishes to be considered sets out a jar bearing their name. Any inhabitant who wishes to express support may drop a single coin into one or more of the jars over the next hour. The face value of the coins is irrelevant, but by tradition, wealthy or earnest supporters will try to outdo each other by placing a more valuable coin. At the end of the hour, the jar containing the most coins bears the name of the new Senator. The money is taken by the civil service and distributed amongst the poorest Winterfolk present.

Although the senators are chosen by one people, in theory it is possible for any Winterfolk to stand as a candidate for any territory. In practice it is rare for the Steinr not to choose one of their own, and likewise for the Suaq and the Kallavesi.