The Count System

The Count System is the major system of government in Barande. Answering to the Sages of Barande, who have the final say on any decision, the Count System is comprised of thirty-one Counts who each rule over a section of Barandean territory called counties. The Counts, while officially equal in rank, are typically split between the thirteen "original" Counts, who are located in mainland Barande, and the eighteen "frontier" Counts, who are located in Doublecrown, the [Patreon] Desert, the Ocean Contested, and the Shimmergaal. The thirteen "original" Counts are further stratified by the "first among equals" rank of the First and Thirteenth Counts, with the remaining eleven Counts seen as equal to each other below the First and Thirteenth.

While every Count rules their own county, the thirteen "original" Counts are also each tasked with an office that covers an aspect of Barandean government or culture that effects the entire nation. Each of the thirteen "original" counties has a different legendary forebear that the counties tend to view as a kind of political founder or patron. Many of these original Counts were close to Barande's founder, He-Without-Number, who is now revered as a legend and god by the Barandeans. Counts are elected by constituents from their county, and it is common for a person who is similar in personality and training to county's original, legendary Count to be elected.

## Counts of Barande

### The Thirteen Original Counts

1. The First Count - Located in Green Barande. The original First Count was He-Without-Number's chief lieutenant and best friend through many of the dangers he faced throughout his life. Modern First Counts hold the office of the executive, in charge of sage interpretation and handling any crisis that affects the nation. The First Count is seen as a "first among equals" alongside the Thirteenth Count in relation to the other eleven mainland counts.
2. The Second Count - Located in Green Barande. The original Second Count was a notable horse rider and tamer. Modern Second Counts hold the office of horses, for both peaceful and military reasons.
3. The Third Count - Located in Outer Barande. The original Third Count was a close friend of He-Without-Number's father. Modern Third Counts hold the office of soldier care, elder care, and general wisdom. The Third Count is typically the oldest Count at any given time by a good margin.
4. The Fourth Count - Located in Blue Barande. The original Fourth Count was a childhood friend of He-Without-Number and the original First Count and was very skilled at fishing and sailing. Modern Fourth Counts hold the office of fishing, ports, and trade done by water.
5. The Fifth Count - Located in Green Barande. The original Fifth Count was noted for his peaceful nature, gardening skills, and large number of children. Modern Fifth Counts hold the office of agriculture and children.
6. The Sixth Count - Located in Green Barande. The original Sixth Count was an extremely well-prepared man and was known to have anything He-Without-Number needed whenever he needed it. Modern Sixth Counts hold the office of taxation, labor, and caravan registry.
7. The Seventh Count - Located in Outer Barande. The original Seventh Count was famous for his charm, good looks, general craftiness, and knowledge of languages. Modern Seventh Counts hold the office of public relations and foreign diplomacy.
8. The Eighth Count - Located in Outer Barande. The original Eighth Count was a highly respected warrior, thought to be second in martial prowess only to He-Without-Number himself. Modern Eighth Counts hold the office of war and border protection.
9. The Ninth Count - Located in Blue Barande. The original Ninth Count was a reformed pirate and smuggler noted for being extremely stealthy. Modern Ninth Counts hold the office of naval warfare and covert operations.
10. The Tenth Count - Located in Prismatic Barande. The original Tenth Count was a kind of proto-Sage known for speaking in riddles but also frequently being the voice of reason for He-Without-Number during his reign. Modern Tenth Counts hold the office of math, science, invention, and mining.
11. The Eleventh Countess - Located in Green Barande. The original Eleventh Countess was He-Without-Number's mysterious and (rather chaste) lover who saved him multiple times from betrayal. Modern Eleventh Countesses hold the office of the secret police. This position is almost always held by a woman while the other counties are almost always led by a man, although there are exceptions in both directions.
12. The Twelfth Count - Located in Outer Barande. The original Twelfth Count was He-Without-Number's herald and biographer. Modern Twelfth Counts hold the office of history and secular law.
13. The Thirteenth Count - Located in Green Barande. The original Thirteenth Count was He-Without-Number's adult son and heir. Modern Thirteenth Counts hold the office of the high executive, in charge of sage interpretation and long-term planning and strategy for the nation. The Thirteenth Count is seen as a "first among equals" alongside the First Count in relation to the other eleven mainland counts.

### The Frontier Counts

* The Nine Splendid Counts of Doublecrown - Located in Doublecrown in United Merion. The Nine Splendid Counts are tasked with working as both trade overseers and occasional diplomats for both Barande and United Merion, primarily in Doublecrown.
* The Five Fierce Counts of the Isles - Located in the Ocean Contested. The Five Fierce Counts are tasked with protecting Barandean ships in the Ocean Contested from pirates, corsairs, and dangerous sea-creatures.
* The Three Bright Counts of the Sands - Located in the [Patreon] Desert. The Three Bright Counts are tasked with being prepared for an attack from the Merionese and servicing caravans that pass through the desert.
* The Brave Count of the Maelstrom - Located in the Shimmergaal. The Brave Count is tasked with determining the viability of economically exploiting and conquering the Shimmergaal.

The frontier Counts hold less power than the mainland Counts, but are still more powerful and respected than any non-counts.

## Trivia

* Rowan Skylark, wife of King Colin I of United Merion, is Barandean. Her family is famous for frequently being elected to the position of Fourth Count.
* The Seventh Count occasionally spends time in United Merion, although he normally sends diplomats in his place. When he does visit, he typically stays in Doublecrown or travels to the capital city of Wick.