The Kingsmeet is the assembly of the free lands of Westreach. Though outsiders often mistake if for some sort of parliament, council, or royal court it in fact is none of those things. The Kingsmeet is simply the people of Westreach gathered together, existing before the city of Kingsmeet, before the current kingdom, some even claim it existed before Westreach. Whether that is true or not is a matter of debate, what is known is that for generations the peoples of Westreach have gathered in one place to settle matters too large for any single community to resolve alone. From this gathering rose alliances, from these alliances rose the Compact, from the compact came the King of Westreach.
Purpose of Kingsmeet
Kingsmeet has several purposes, it elects the King of Westreach, holds disputes between major powers, reviews the King's stewardship, confirms obligations made under the Compact, provides a forum where the peoples of Westreach may speak openly regarding matters affecting the realm as a whole, and most importantly it ensures that no individual, city, clan, lord, or institution may claim authority over Westreach without the consent of their fellow Westreachers.
Attendance
Any citizen of Westreach may attend Kingsmeet no title, wealth, or invitation required. Those who make the journey and are recognized as members of the realm may participate. Even Children are allowed to participate, although uncommon, no law prevents a child from casting a vote. The peoples of Westreach generally believe that anyone old enough to understand the consequences of a choice is old enough to bear responsibility of making one.
Voting
Voting is conducted through the use of voting stones, each verified attendee receives a single stone with each stone representing one vote. No person receives additional votes due to wealth, title, rank, or influence. A lord, merchant, or farmer will receive one vote. Voting stones are cast into designated urns and counted by officials of the Hall of Records, the process is purposefully simple and highly visible.
Verification
Westreach maintains no centralized census but instead participation is based upon recognition, reputation, and witness. When arriving to Kingsmeet those wishing to attend identify themselves and proide those willing to vouch for their identity and standing within the realm. The Hall of Records maintains records of previous attendees, communities, obligations, and notable citizens. If a person's claim is challenged witnessess may be called and the matter reviewed before a stone is issued. The system may be imperfect, but Westreachers accept this. Most citizens consider trust between neighbors more reliable than distant bureaucrats.
The Gathering
Though the formal proceedings typically only last but a few days Kingsmeet itself often occupies several weeks. Long before voting begins the roads fill with travelers. Merchants arrive and clan delegations gather. Disputes are argued, alliances are forged, contracts are negotiated, marriages arranged, feasts, old grievances renewed, and new friendships had. By the time the first vote is cast many of the most important discussions have already taken place.
Obligations and Contributions
One of the most important functions of the Kingsmeet is the renewal of obligations made under the Compact. Unlike many kingdoms Westreach possesses no realm wide tax but instead the institutions of the realm are maintained through contributions pledged by its people. Contributions may include things such as food, livestock, equipment, horses, wagons, labor, messengers, soldiers, clerks, coin, specialized services. Though coin generally considered desirable by individuals is less so for contributions and is most often used when other forms of support cannot reasonably be provided.
During each Kingsmeet communities, cities, clans, companies, and individuals may reaffirm existing obligations or pledge new ones. These pledges are recorded by the Hall of Records and serve as the foundation upon which many realm wide institutions operate including the Royal Host. Importantly pledged resources are not typically collected immediately. They remain with those who pledged them until called upon legitimate need. This system allows Westreach to maintain significant reserves without requiring centralized storehouses or constant taxation.
Failure and Assistance
Westreach recognizes that misfortune is not dishonor, floods occur, fires spread, harvests fail, bandits raid caravans after all. When a community suffers genuine hardship, the pledged resources are covered by other Compact members and support given to the suffering groups. In this way the Compact serves not merely as a record of what is owed to Westreach, but also what is available to Westreach during emergencies.
Reputation
Because obligations are voluntary reputation carries tremendous weight. Communities and individuals alike remember who consistently honor their pledges and earn trust, influence, and respect throughout Westreach. Those who repeatedly fail to meet obligations without legitimate cause quickly discover that trust is far more difficult to replace than grain, coin, or soldiers.
The King and the Kingsmeet
The King presides over Kingsmeet, as it is considered one of the responsibilities of the office rather than a privilege. The King maintains order, presents matters requiring consideration, announces findings from the Hall of Records, and oversees the formal conduct of proceedings. While the King guides the process he does not control the outcome, the authority of Kingsmeet comes from those assembled and not the Crown.
Removal of a King
A King serves for life unless removed or rendered incapable of fulfilling the responsibilities of the office. Concerns regarding a King's conduct may be formally raised before the Kingsmeet. If sufficient concern exists an inquiry may be ordered. From there evidence is gathered, witnesses heard, findings are then presented publicly. After such investigation is complete a vote regarding removal is held. This process exists to protect the realm from both tyrants and mob anger.
Tradition
Many traditions surround Kingsmeet, some vary generation to generation, others nearly as old as Westreach itself. Among the most enduring traditions is the belief that attendance is both a right and a responsibility. Most citizens never attend every Kingsmeet, many never attend one at all. Yet nearly ever Westreacher understands the principle behind it, if it is a matter important enough you go. If you cannot go then you trust another to go in your place. In this way the Kingsmeet reflects the central belief of Westreach, Freedom survives only when people are willing to take responsibility for preserving it. For this reason the Kingsmeet is often described not as the government of Westreach but as Westreach itself.