Coventry – Government and Legal System snapshot
Coventry is a collection of lands that have been userped by the Clan Scarlotti all along the border of Zamostia from the northern to the southern entry to the Zamostian Inner Sphere. Coventry operates a unique republic that places its voting authority into two groups. A third group comprising the royal family oversees the land and in so doing maintains the final word in all that is done. The Royalty maintains control of the lands which they own through the officials which are members of the Assembleas Repubblicana Disciplianano (The Republican House in short). Two parties in the Republican House rule over isses of normal governmental concerns they are the Patroni (Landed Nobility related to the royal family) and the Maestri Artigianato (Guild Masters and Artisans).
Typically the Patroni are military leaders and they rule over matters of State and threats to the republic. Only those of noble birth may own land . It is impossible to procur a land grant without the parcel in question being signed over by the Duke himself. In this way only a fierce ally or family member can ever own land In fact it is common that if one is inline to receive a grant and they are not a family member the Duke will have another member of the nobility adopt the person in question. This practice ensures the management of tax collection, tracking and accessing of resources are being handled with the best interests of the royal family in mind. For an applicant to be granted a parcel of land that Patroni Candidate must present their hearaldry to the Duke via the office of regents. Those capable of proving their royal lineage may begin the process of “Vale La Pena” (worth).Candidates must be tried in three separate areas and proven worthy in order to be placed upon the lists of Patroni. Personal strength, Reliability and service / fealty are all measured and determined whether or not an applicant meets the standards of the Noble class. Indeed a name is not enough as one cannot be certain that some element of lesser humanity could haply fall amongst even the greatest of leadersIt is no small thing to be tested and pass into the patroni.
Land owners, Patroni, vote secondarily as a rule, but the may also institute any legislative act that they deem of consequence. The Patroni meet four times during the year. It is very rare that the Patroni will convene outside of their typical set meeting times. The Maestri also meet four times a year. Their meetings are coordinated so that they take place at the same time that the Patroni meet. Maestri also have sanctioned guild meetings which allow them to contact their constituency and determine needs for their own given areas.The greatest number of legislative changes begin within the body that comprises the Maestri.
