Despite being highly varied in history and background, the various lands of the Northern Realms uphold remarkably similar forms of government. These tend to consist of:
This model of power is often used on the empire-level, but is often applied at the provincial/regional level, and even on cities. Not all roles might be present in those cases, however.
The Ruler is often the king or queen of the realm. In Erenen, this is Alfredus Sinask. This title is often hereditary.
On the regional level, the Ruler is often the Regent or Lord. On the city level, it can be a Mayor, Lord or chief.
In some cases, one person fulfills the function of Ruler on multiple levels. A King can act as a ruler of a country, the city in which they live, and the region in which it is located, simultaneously.
The Royal Second is the ruler's primary assistant. In practice, they often oversee many council sessions, relieving the ruler of the burdens of governing.
This position is one of great honor. It is often given to members of families that the ruler wants to appease. In the past, however, it has happened that the seeds of betrayal of the ruler were planted by the Second.
The Keeper of Coin manages the realm's treasury. Their main method of wielding power comes through taxation and tax-related policy. Besides that, the Keeper's power is indirect; it's hard to wage war without securing soldier's wages.
The Royal Spymaster's task is to keep the council informed of important events both in- and outside the realm.
If they do their jobs well, they tend to be the first to know about threats.
The Master of Laws is the chief legal advisor. They oversee the royal dungeons and oversee legal policy.
The Fleet Admiral oversees the realm's navy. During times of war this means commanding the battle at sea. In times of peace, it means patrolling for pirates, keeping ports safe, and securing trade routes.
The Lord Commander oversees the realm's armies. In times of peace, this means safeguarding a realm's borders and forts. In times of war, it means coordinating with the Keeper of Coin to muster troops, and to wage war against the enemies of the realm.
The Arcane Advisor is usually a magic-user of some sort; a wizard, sorcerer, or mage. They monitor the magic use of the realm, keep an eye out for arcane threats, and aid the court directly with their magic.
They are often vital for matters of communication, using their magic to transport messages over long distances (and even teleport delegations).
The Keeper of Faith is the chief advisor in matters of the gods, religion, and faith. Depending on the realm they wield considerable power, as religion might be important among the populace.
In many Northern Realms, this is a representative of the Pantheon.