Princes and Archons, Magisters and Triarchs

The cities and towns of Essos are presided over by rulers with titles near as diverse as the people that inhabit the continent. The cities of what was once the Freehold are ruled primarily by Magisters, but there are a few notable exceptions. Volantis is ruled by a trio of elected officials known as Triarchs, whereas Tyrosh is the realm of the Archon. The Sealord is the custodian of Braavos, and further to the east, Qohor is ruled by two families, the Eranels and the Motts, although a third, the Hoats, is growing evermore popular.

*This documentation aims to collate all those in power, both presently and, in some cases, historically since the turn of the century for ease of reference. For further details or clarification, feel free to send me a message.*

*- Mango*

## Braavos

The ruler of the city is the Sealord, who lives in the Sealord's Palace in the northeast of the city. Instead of hereditary succession, the Sealord is chosen by Braavosi Magisters and keyholders through a convoluted process, and he serves for life. The selection of his successor can be highly contested and can resort to violence. The Sealord's personal guard is commanded by the First Sword of Braavos.

## Lorath

Lorath used to be ruled by three princes: the Harvest Prince, the Fisher Prince, and the Prince of the Streets, whom, once chosen, served for life. All are chosen by vote: the Harvest Prince by those who own land upon the islands, the Fisher Prince by all who own ships, and the Prince of the Streets by the acclamation of the free men of the city.

While the Council of Princes still exists today, their titles have become ceremonial. The actual rule of Lorath now resides with a council of Magisters made up of nobles, priests, and merchants.

## Pentos

Pentos is traditionally ruled over by a Prince, chosen from the forty families by the Magisters of the city. While the Prince serves to mainly preside over feasts and festivals, he is considered as the titular ruler of Pentos, as well as the settlements within its territory. In spite of this, many Princes have, following council with the Magisters of the city, laid plans of their own for the city, although when these end in failure, the responsibility falls solely upon them.

## Norvos

More influenced by the governing of the other Free Cities than the city of Qohor, Norvos and the ruins of Ny Sar are ruled over by six Magisters, chosen by the Conclave of Bearded Priests, and is thus considered by many to be a theocracy.

## Qohor

Qohor, and to a lesser extent the ruined Rhoynar city of Ar Noy, are ruled over by two competing families that represent the two sources of wealth of the city, although a third, the Hoats, is growing evermore popular. It is exceptional in this sense, as no Princes, Triarchs or Archons exist within the city, nor do Magisters in the same sense as other Free Cities. While both the forgelords of the Mott family and the timbermasters of the Eranel family share similar beliefs and ideas in the governing of the city, a bitter and deep rooted feud continues to persist even to this day.

## Myr

The city of Myr upholds the traditions of the centuries before, and has a Conclave of Magisters that govern the city.

### Anlos

While Anlos has a local governing body of its own, it shares similarities to Myr and the Magisters with its Order of Justiciars.

## Tyrosh

Unlike the other Daughters, Tyrosh is ruled by an Archon, chosen from the wealthiest and most renown families in the city. Once selected they serve for life, ruling the city from the Archon's Palace in the Golden District of the northern city.

### Pelosse

While Pelosse has a local governing body of its own, it shares similarities to Tyrosh and its Archon, having a singular Chancellor.

## Lys

Lys, like many of the Free Cities, is governed by a Conclave of Magisters, chosen from the wealthiest, noblest and most powerful families in the city. While the exact number varies somewhat with the years, there are usually seven or eight Magisters at any one time.

The Magisters also watch over the town of Achissa, located to the north of the Free City in the Disputed Lands. Unlike Anlos and Pelosse, both considered to be within the dominion of Myr, Achissa does not have its own rulers, and thus is dependent on Lys for its governance.

## Volantis

Volantis, as well as the vassal cities of Sar Mell, Volon Therys, Valysar and Selhorys are ruled over by an elected Triarchy, make their territory another exception to the popularity and prevalence of the Magister-dominated Free Cities.

The triarchs are chosen from amongst the noble families who can prove unbroken descent from old Valyria, and will serve for a year, until the first day of the new year. The triarchs of Volantis are considered so elevated that they are not allowed to have their feet touch the ground during their year of service.

The elections last ten days, with much campaigning and bribery. Volantis becomes filled with torchlight marches, speeches, mummers and minstrels and dancers, bravos fighting duels for the honour of their candidates, elephants with the names of would-be triarchs painted on their sides. Some candidates have slave girls and boys lay with voters to win votes. A former triarch can be re-elected.

The triarchs traditionally belong to one of two political parties: the tigers and the elephants. The elephants are the party of the merchants and moneylenders, while the tigers are old aristocracy and warriors, advocating trade and conquest respectively.