Convocation of Merchants

The Convocation of Merchants is an important body in the government of Margade, a body comprising merchants who have been granted princely charters, and are therefore under the protection of the Prince of Mar.

Description
While the city of Margade is nominally ruled from Raumar Palace right above it, the day-to-day affairs of the city are in fact mostly in the hands of two bodies. North of the Meridian Canal, in what are considered the poorer wards of the city, the Cooperatives of Margade have their territories carved out. In the much richer southern quarter, where large residential compounds and luxurious apartments rise and overlap, it is the Convocation that holds most of the political power.

The Convocation currently has about 40 members, which can be divided into two main categories: The selection process for new members of the Convocation, a process wherein Adrian is currently involved, are explained in the Convocation Election Procedure article.
 * The Purveyors, whose seats in the Convocation are based on their providing the Palace with goods, supplies and luxuries. There are about 15 of these in all, and their seats are permanent; so long as they continue to supply the Palace, they will always have their seat.
 * The Aldermen, whose seats in the Convocation are held for two-year terms. Every year the Aldermen seats are renewed in tranches or 12 and 13.

History
Positioned on the East Lake, facing the trade routes towards both east and west, Margade has been a city of merchants ever since it has existed. But the Convocation as an institution is only about twenty years old; its creation, deeply entrenching the political power of the mercantile class in the Appanage of Mar, was a direct result of the Siege of Margade.

During the Siege, the merchants performed crucial and admirable services in the defence of the city, even as the depleted royal forces withdrew and Prince Tamus was forced to hide within the walls of Raumar Palace. By the end of the siege, the merchants in the south of the city - much like the Cooperatives in the north - have had their authority and legitimacy established; there was little choice for the weakened Princely government but to acknowledge their institutions.