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The '''Directing Oligarchy''' of the [[Free City of Greyhawk]], sometimes called the ''' Directorship'''{{csb|CoG|32|Folk, Feuds, and Factions}}, '''Directorate'''{{csb|Night Watch}}, or simply '''the Oligarchy'''{{csb|CoG|9|Folk, Feuds, and Factions}} is the chief governing body of Greyhawk City. The Directing Oligarchy is also responsible for governing the Domain of Greyhawk, though its authority and reach is somewhat more limited in that respect. Members of the Directing Oligarchy are called "'''Directors'''," or sometimes, "'''Oligarchs'''".  
The '''Directing Oligarchy''' of the [[Free City of Greyhawk]], sometimes called the ''' Directorship'''{{csb|CoG|32|Folk, Feuds, and Factions}}, '''Directorate'''{{csb|Night Watch}}, or simply '''the Oligarchy'''{{csb|CoG|9|Folk, Feuds, and Factions}} is the chief governing body of [[Free City of Greyhawk|Greyhawk City]]. The Directing Oligarchy is also responsible for governing the [[Domain of Greyhawk]], though its authority and reach is somewhat more limited in that respect. Members of the Directing Oligarchy are called "'''Directors'''" or sometimes "'''Oligarchs'''".
 
== Description ==
Everyday management of the City and the Domain are the direct responsibility of the Oligarchy, though the Directors "rule leniently."{{csb|CoG|7|Folks, Feuds, and Factions}}.
 
The Directors meet each week on [[Starday]]{{csb|TAB|62}} at the [[Lord Mayor's Palace]] (City Hall) (#H14).
 
=== Advisory councils ===
There are four advisory councils which, in theory, serve the interests of various groups as representatives to the Oligarchy.  Each meets separately with the Directors quarterly or annually.
* [[Grand Council of Greyhawk Guilds]]—comprised of guildleaders in the City of Greyhawk (Quarterly)
* [[Public Council]]—comprised of representatives of the citizenry-at-large in the City of Greyhawk. (Quarterly)
* [[Grand Administrative Council]]—comprised of minor nobles of the City of Greyhawk (Annually)
* [[Council of Mayors and Manorial Lords]]—comprised of civic leaders of the [[Domain of Greyhawk]] (Annually)
 
The Public Council stands out as a democraticly, popularly-elected advisory body consisting of eight representatives, one from each of the city's quarters.


== History ==
== History ==
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|-  
|-  
| [[Ponjes the Bull]] ||[[209 CY]] - (?) || first Lord Mayor
| [[Ponjes the Bull]] ||[[209 CY]] - (?) || first Lord Mayor
|-
|Omt the Hairy
|fl. c.[[261 CY]]
|
|-
|-
| [[Zagig Yragerne]] ||c.[[310 CY|310]] to [[421 CY]]{{csb|TAB|59}} ||
| [[Zagig Yragerne]] ||c.[[310 CY|310]] to [[421 CY]]{{csb|TAB|59}} ||
|-
|-
| Paerinn ||c.[[498 CY]] || Declared Greyhawk a Free City
| Paerinn ||fl. c.[[498 CY]] || Declared Greyhawk a Free City
|-
|-
| [[Nerof Gasgal]] || [[570 CY|570]] - [[598 CY]]||  
| [[Nerof Gasgal]] || [[570 CY|570]]-[[598 CY]]||  
|-
|-
| [[Ellon Thigpen]] || (?) || in the novel ''[[Night Watch]]''
| [[Ellon Thigpen]] || (?) || in the novel ''[[Night Watch]]''
|}
|}
== Members ==
== Members ==
The Directing Oligarchy usually numbers around sixteen{{csb|CoG|6|Folks, Feuds, and Factions}}<ref name=oligarchy />{{csb|DMG2024|151}} but can range from twelve to eighteen individuals,{{csb|Folio|11}}{{csb|WoG|25|Guide}}{{csb|CoG|6|Folks, Feuds, and Factions}}{{csb|TAB|62}} representing the city's major professional guilds and the military.  Certain positions on the Directorate are set.  Among these are "[[Captain-General]] of the [[Watch]], the Constable, the [[Guild of Thieves|Guildmaster of Thieves]], and the [[Assassins' Guild|Guildmaster of Assassins]]."{{csb|Folio|11}}{{csb|WoG|25|Guide}}   Other seats on the council are filled variously by "representatives of the [[Society of Magi]], the [[Merchants and Traders Union]], [[Artisans League]], and clerical leaders."{{csb|Folio|11}}{{csb|WoG|25|Guide}}{{csb|DMG2024|151}}
The Directing Oligarchy usually numbers around sixteen{{csb|CoG|6|Folks, Feuds, and Factions}}<ref name=oligarchy />{{csb|DMG2024|151}} but can range from twelve to eighteen individuals,{{csb|CoG|6|Folks, Feuds, and Factions}}{{csb|TAB|62}}{{csb|Folio|11}}{{csb|WoG|25|Guide}} representing the city's major professional guilds and the military.  Certain positions on the Directorate are set.  Among these are "[[Captain-General]] of the [[Watch]], the Constable [of the Watch], the [[Guild of Thieves|Guildmaster of Thieves]], and the [[Guild of Assassins|Guildmaster of Assassins]]."{{csb|Folio|11}}{{csb|WoG|25|Guide}} Other seats on the council are filled variously by "representatives of the [[Society of Magi]], the [[Merchants and Traders Union]], [[League of Artisans|Artisans' League]], and clerical leaders"{{csb|DMG2024|151}}{{csb|Folio|11}}{{csb|WoG|25|Guide}} (especially of [[Boccob]] and [[Rao]]), as well as the "Inspector of Taxes".{{csb|DMG2024|151}}


A Director's term is indefinite, though a director may leave office through retirement, being removed from office, or death.{{csb|CoG|6|Folks, Feuds, and Factions}}  A Director may also resign from office.<ref name=oligarchy />{{csb|Grumbler3|1}} The [[Lord Mayor]]'s term is also indefinite, unless they "die, retire, resign, or fail a no-confidence vote consisting of a two-thirds majority of the Directing Oligarchy."{{csb|TAB|62}}  Current sitting council members elect new Directors when a vacancy is to be filled,{{csb|TAB|62}}{{csb|Grumbler3|1}} though they are "not always obliged to replace an Oligarch"{{csb|CoG|6|Folks, Feuds, and Factions}} and "replacement of an Oligarch who dies or retires is not required."{{csb|TAB|62}}  To replace a Lord Mayor or Director, they must have a "two-thirds majority"{{csb|TAB|62}} or quorum{{csb|Grumbler3|1}} (the minimum number of members who must be ''present'' (as opposed to the number voting) for official business to be carried out)—though quorum changes based on the number of sitting Directors on the Oligarchy at any given time.{{refn|name=quorum |group=note |''[[The Adventure Begins]]'' cites "a two-thirds majority"{{csb|TAB|62}} for council action.  
A Director's term is indefinite, though a director may leave office through retirement, being removed from office, or death.{{csb|CoG|6|Folks, Feuds, and Factions}}  A Director may also resign from office.<ref name=oligarchy />{{csb|Grumbler3|1}} The [[Lord Mayor]]'s term is also indefinite, unless they "die, retire, resign, or fail a no-confidence vote consisting of a two-thirds majority of the Directing Oligarchy."{{csb|TAB|62}}  Current sitting council members elect new Directors when a vacancy is to be filled,{{csb|TAB|62}}{{csb|Grumbler3|1}} though they are "not always obliged to replace an Oligarch"{{csb|CoG|6|Folks, Feuds, and Factions}} and "replacement of an Oligarch who dies or retires is not required."{{csb|TAB|62}}  To replace a Lord Mayor or Director, they must have a "two-thirds majority"{{csb|TAB|62}} or quorum{{csb|Grumbler3|1}} (the minimum number of members who must be ''present'' (as opposed to the number voting) for official business to be carried out)—though quorum changes based on the number of sitting Directors on the Oligarchy at any given time.{{refn|name=quorum1 |group=note |''[[The Adventure Begins]]'' cites "a two-thirds majority" {{csb|TAB|62}} (quorum) for council action.  
Separately, in ''[[Greyhawk Grumbler]]'' #3, quorum (which is a two-thirds majority) is defined as "eleven".{{csb|Grumbler3|1}}  This number is based on two-thirds of the then-current number of sitting Directors being sixteen.  Since it is not ''required'' to replace Directors if they die, the number of sitting Directors would fall from sixteen to ten with the murders/deaths occurring at the Centennial Celebrations of [[598 CY]].  However, it cannot be assumed that with a minimum number of Directors in the Oligarchy being twelve, that quorum would be set to a specific number (eleven) or that it would require a unanimous vote of eleven for the Oligarchy to act.  Action certainly would have to be taken to return the Oligarchy to the required minimum of twelve Directors, but that would likewise not require a unanimous vote of all ten sitting members, and could be done by seven Directors (two-thirds of ten).}}
Since it is not ''required'' to replace Directors if they die, the number of Directors can change, as would quorum.  It cannot be assumed with the minimum number of Directors in the Oligarchy being twelve, that quorum would be set to a specific number or that it would ever require a unanimous vote for the Oligarchy to act—this would defeat the purpose of quorum.  Quorum of 18 sitting Directors members would be 12 members present, and quorum of 12 sitting Directors would be 9. If there were fewer, action certainly would have to be taken to return the Oligarchy to the required minimum of twelve Directors, but that would not require a unanimous vote of all sitting members, and could be done by fewer Directors.}}


Directors elect one of their number to serve as [[Lord Mayor]]. The Lord Mayor serves for life, acting as head of state for the [[Free City|City]] and [[Domain of Greyhawk]], while also heading both the Directing Oligarchy and the [[Council of Mayors and Manorial Lords]]. The Lord Mayor also officially acts as commander-in-chief of Greyhawk's military, though actual command is most often left to the Captain General of the Watch.
Directors elect one of their number to serve as [[Lord Mayor]]. The Lord Mayor serves for life, acting as head of state for the [[Free City|City]] and [[Domain of Greyhawk]], while also heading both the Directing Oligarchy and the [[Council of Mayors and Manorial Lords]]. The Lord Mayor also officially acts as commander-in-chief of Greyhawk's military, though actual command is most often left to the Captain General of the Watch.
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=== Recent Directors ===
=== Recent Directors ===
In [[Calendar|Planting]] [[598 CY]], the Directing Oligarchy numbered sixteen.  It was reduced to ten with the deaths and murders of five Oligarchs during the Centennial Celebrations in [[Calendar|Goodmonth]], and the absconding of [[Turin Deathstalker]].<br> The Oligarchy consists of the following members:<ref name=oligarchy>[http://web.archive.org/web/20161031210109/http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=lg/lgpg/20080418a ''The Directing Oligarchs of Greyhawk'']. (April 2008)</ref>
In [[Calendar|Planting]] [[598 CY]], the Directing Oligarchy numbered sixteen.  It was reduced to ten with the deaths and murders of five Oligarchs during the Centennial Celebrations in [[Calendar|Goodmonth]], and the absconding of [[Turin Deathstalker]].<br> The Oligarchy consists of the following members:<ref name=oligarchy>[http://web.archive.org/web/20161031210109/http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=lg/lgpg/20080418a ''The Directing Oligarchs of Greyhawk'']. (April 2008)</ref>
* [[Nerof Gasgal]]&dagger;&dagger;—[[Lord Mayor]] of [[Free City of Greyhawk|Greyhawk]] (male human rogue 10/expert 5, LN). Lord Mayor since [[570 CY]], it is assumed Gasgal was an Oligarch prior to assuming his current office.
* [[Nerof Gasgal]]&dagger;&dagger; (LN male human Rog10/Exp5)—[[Lord Mayor]] of [[Free City of Greyhawk|Greyhawk]]. Lord Mayor since [[570 CY]], it is assumed Gasgal was an Oligarch prior to assuming his current office.
* [[Carmen Halmaster]]—high-ranking member of the [[Merchants’ and Traders’ Union]] (male human rogue 8, N).
* [[Carmen Halmaster]] (N male human Rog8)—high-ranking member of the [[Union of Merchants and Traders|Merchants’ and Traders’ Union]].
* [[Dernan Nathane]]—''acting'' Lord Mayor in [[598 CY]] after the assassination of [[Nerof Gasgal]].{{csb|Grumbler3|1}} Guildmaster of the [[Merchants' and Traders' Union]] (male human swashbuckler 2/rogue 10, N). Second only to Nerof Gasgal among the Directors.
* [[Dernan Nathane]] (N male human Rogue 10/Swashbuckler 2)—''acting'' Lord Mayor in [[598 CY]] after the assassination of [[Nerof Gasgal]].{{csb|Grumbler3|1}} Guildmaster of the [[Union of Merchants and Traders|Merchants’ and Traders’ Union]]. Second only to Nerof Gasgal among the Directors.
* [[Glodreddi Bakkanin]]&dagger;&dagger;—Inspector of Taxes for the [[Greyhawk Revenue Service]] (male [[dwarf]] rogue 12, LE).
* [[Glodreddi Bakkanin]]&dagger;&dagger; (LE male [[dwarf]] Rog12)—Inspector of Taxes for the [[Greyhawk Revenue Service]].
* [[Kieren Jalucian]]—Guildmaster of the [[Guild of Wizardry]] and Principal of the [[University of Magical Arts]] (male human wizard 13/archmage 5, NG).  Originally declined membership on the Directorate as President of the [[Society of Magi]] in [[585 CY]], he later accepted in his role as Guildmaster and Principal{{csb|TAB|63}} after his term as President ended.
* [[Kieren Jalucian]] (NG male human Wiz13/Archmage 5)—Guildmaster of the [[Guild of Wizardry]] and Principal of the [[University of Magical Arts]].  Originally declined membership on the Directorate as President of the [[Society of Magi]] in [[585 CY]], he later accepted in his role as Guildmaster and Principal{{csb|TAB|63}} after his term as President ended.
* [[Org Nenshen]]—Master of the [[Guild of Thieves]] (male human rogue 18, LN).
* [[Org Nenshen]] (LN male human rogue 18)—Master of the [[Guild of Thieves]].
* [[Ravel Dasinder]]—Patriarch of [[Boccob]] (male human cleric 10/divine oracle 10, N).
* [[Ravel Dasinder]] (N male human Clr10/Divine Oracle 10)—Patriarch of [[Boccob]].
* [[Stakaster Villaine]]—Patriarch of [[Zilchus]] (male human cleric 20, LN).
* [[Stakaster Villaine]] (LN male human Clr20)—Patriarch of [[Zilchus]].
* [[Vesper Lafanel]]—[[Guild of Assassins|Guildmaster of Assassins]] (male [[elf|grey elf]] rogue 3/wizard 5/arcane trickster 7/assassin 3, NE). Chosen to replace [[Turin Deathstalker]] in [[582 CY]].
* [[Vesper Lafanel]] (NE male [[elf|grey elf]] Rog3/Wiz5/Arcane Trickster 7/Assassin 3)—[[Guild of Assassins|Guildmaster of Assassins]]. Chosen to replace [[Turin Deathstalker]] in [[582 CY]].
* [[Cariel Mansharn]]&dagger;&dagger;—member of the Merchants’ and Traders’ Union (male human duskblade 8, LE). Chosen to replace [[Ren o’ the Star]] in [[583 CY]].
* [[Cariel Mansharn]]&dagger;&dagger; (LE male human Duskblade 8)—member of the Merchants’ and Traders’ Union. Chosen to replace [[Ren o’ the Star]] in [[583 CY]].
* [[Tigran Gellner]]—Captain-General of the Watch (male fighter 12, LN). Chosen in [[583 CY]] to replace [[Sental Nurev]] as both Director and Captain-General of the Watch.
* [[Tigran Gellner]] (LN male human Ftr12)—[[Captain-General]] of the [[City Watch|Watch]]. Chosen in [[583 CY]] to replace [[Sental Nurev]] as both Director and Captain-General of the Watch.
* [[Torrentz Hebvard]]&dagger;&dagger;—President of the [[Society of Magi]] (male human wizard 12, LN). Chosen to replace [[Otiluke]] some time after the latter's death in [[584 CY]].
* [[Torrentz Hebvard]]&dagger;&dagger; (LN male human Wiz12)—President of the [[Society of Magi]]. Chosen to replace [[Otiluke]] some time after the latter's death in [[584 CY]].
* [[Gerda Hollardel]]&dagger;&dagger;—Guildmaster of the [[Jewelers’ and Gemcutters’ Guild]] (human female expert 5/rogue 1 CN). Chosen to replace her father, [[Bodmi Hollardel]], in [[588 CY]].
* [[Gerda Hollardel]]&dagger;&dagger; (CN female human Exp5/Rog1)—Guildmaster of the [[Jewelers’ and Gemcutters’ Guild]]. Chosen to replace her father, [[Bodmi Hollardel]], in [[588 CY]].
* [[Stimtrin Cannasay]]&dagger;&dagger;—officer of the Merchants’ and Traders’ Union (male [[dwarf]] expert 6, LN). Chosen to replace [[Laup Cobrun]] in [[589 CY]].
* [[Stimtrin Cannasay]]&dagger;&dagger; (LN male [[dwarf]] Exp6)—officer of the Merchants’ and Traders’ Union. Chosen to replace [[Laup Cobrun]] in [[589 CY]].
* Sir [[Gavin Ambus]]—Chief Constable of Greyhawk (male human fighter 13, LG). Chosen to replace [[Etin Derecs]] in [[596 CY]].
* Sir [[Gavin Ambus]] (LG male human Ftr13)—Chief Constable of Greyhawk. Chosen to replace [[Etin Derecs]] in [[596 CY]].
* [[Silas Steamgem]]—Master of the [[Guild of Moneylenders and Pawnbrokers]] (male [[gnome]]). Chosen to replace [[Eritai Kaan-Ipzirel]] in [[Planting]] of [[598 CY]].
* [[Silas Steamgem]] (male [[gnome]])—Master of the [[Guild of Moneylenders and Pawnbrokers]]. Chosen to replace [[Eritai Kaan-Ipzirel]] in [[Planting]] of [[598 CY]].


=== Former Directors ===
=== Former Directors ===
The following Directors are listed in the order in which they left the Directing Oligarchy:
The following Directors are listed in the order in which they left the Directing Oligarchy:
* [[Ponjes the Bull]]&dagger;—former [[Landgraf of the Selintan]]. Founded the Directing Oligarchy circa [[209 CY]], serving as [[Lord Mayor]] until his death.
* [[Ponjes the Bull]]&dagger;—former [[Landgraf of the Selintan]]. Founded the Directing Oligarchy circa [[209 CY]], serving as [[Lord Mayor]] until his death.
* [[Zagyg|Zagig Yragerne]]—now demigod (male human wizard, CN). Joined the Directing Oligarchy [[310 CY]], and shortly thereafter became Lord Mayor, serving until [[421 CY]].
* [[Zagyg|Zagig Yragerne]]—now demigod (CN male human Wiz). Joined the Directing Oligarchy [[310 CY]], and shortly thereafter became Lord Mayor, serving until [[421 CY]].
* [[Turin Deathstalker]]—military governor of [[Safeton]] (male human, LE). Former Guildmaster of Assassins. Resigned as Guildmaster and Director in [[582 CY]], and replaced by [[Vesper Lafanel]] in both capacities.
* [[Turin Deathstalker]] (LE male human Ftr18)—military governor of [[Safeton]]. Former Guildmaster of Assassins. Resigned as Guildmaster and Director in [[582 CY]], and replaced by [[Vesper Lafanel]] in both capacities.
* [[Ren o’ the Star]]&dagger;—former Guildmaster of the [[Merchants' and Traders' Union]] (male half-elf). Murdered in [[583 CY]].{{csb|FtA|8|Campaign Book}} Replaced as Director by [[Cariel Mansharn]], and as Guildmaster by [[Dernan Nathane]].
* [[Ren o’ the Star]]&dagger; (CN male half-elf Ftr7/Mag7)—former Guildmaster of the [[Merchants' and Traders' Union]]. Murdered in [[583 CY]].{{csb|FtA|8|Campaign Book}} Replaced as Director by [[Cariel Mansharn]], and as Guildmaster by [[Dernan Nathane]].
* [[Sental Nurev]]&dagger;—former Captain-General of the Watch (male human fighter). Committed suicide in [[583]] CY and replaced in both offices by [[Tigran Gellner]].
* [[Sental Nurev]]&dagger; (LN male human Ftr13)—former Captain-General of the Watch. Died under suspicious circumstances in [[583 CY]] and replaced in both offices by [[Tigran Gellner]].
* [[Bodmi Hollardel]]—Guildmaster of the [[Jewelers’ and Gemcutters’ Guild]]. Succeeded by his daughter, [[Gerda Hollardel]], in [[588 CY]].
* [[Bodmi Hollardel]]—Guildmaster of the [[Jewelers’ and Gemcutters’ Guild]]. Succeeded by his daughter, [[Gerda Hollardel]], in [[588 CY]].
* [[Derider Fanshen]]—priestess of [[Pelor]] (female human cleric 7/radiant servant 7, NG). Former Chief Constable of Greyhawk, retired in late [[591 CY]]. Replaced in both offices by [[Etin Derecs]].
* [[Derider Fanshen]] (CG female human Clr7/radiant servant 7)—priestess of [[Pelor]]. Former Chief Constable of Greyhawk, retired in late [[591 CY]]. Replaced in both offices by [[Etin Derecs]].
* [[Etin Derecs]]—retired Chief Constable (male human fighter 13, LE). Replaced Derider Fanshen in [[591 CY]], serving until [[596 CY|596]], when he was forced to "retire" for health reasons. Replaced as Director and Chief Constable by Sir [[Gavin Ambus]].
* [[Etin Derecs]] (LE male human Ftr13)—retired Chief Constable. Replaced Derider Fanshen in 591 CY]], serving until [[596 CY|596]], when he was forced to "retire" for health reasons. Replaced as Director and Chief Constable by Sir [[Gavin Ambus]].
* [[Jerome Kazinskaia]]—priest of [[Rao]] (male human cleric 20, LG). Former [[Rao|Patriarch of Rao]] in Greyhawk. Retired to [[Mitrik]] in [[596 CY]].
* [[Jerome Kazinskaia]] (LG male human Clr20)—priest of [[Rao]]. Former [[Rao|Patriarch of Rao]] in Greyhawk. Retired to [[Mitrik]] in [[596 CY]].
* Sir [[Anton Palmirian]]&dagger;—former Chief Judge of Greyhawk and Guildmaster of the [[Guild of Lawyers. Scribes, and Accountants]] (male human expert 12, LE). Sir Anton died in [[597 CY]].<ref name=oligarchy />  Was not replaced on the Directorate after his death.
* Sir [[Anton Palmirian]]&dagger; (LE male human Exp12)—former Chief Judge of Greyhawk and Guildmaster of the [[Guild of Lawyers. Scribes, and Accountants]]. Sir Anton died in [[597 CY]].<ref name=oligarchy />  Was not replaced on the Directorate after his death.
* [[Eritai Kaan-Ipzirel]]—Matriarch of [[Saint Cuthbert]] (female cleric 14, LN). Served as an Oligarch from [[584 CY]] until her resignation in Planting of [[598 CY]]. Replaced on the Directing Oligarchy by [[Silas Steamgem]].
* [[Eritai Kaan-Ipzirel]] (LN female Clr14)—Matriarch of [[Saint Cuthbert]]. Served as an Oligarch from [[584 CY]] until her resignation in Planting of [[598 CY]]. Replaced on the Directing Oligarchy by [[Silas Steamgem]].


=== Later members ===
=== Later members ===
In ''[[Night Watch]]'', [[Robin Wayne Bailey]] names the current [[Lord Mayor]] and other Directors.  Though no specific date is given, the book is set in a potential "future" of Greyhawk where "no one... had heard from the [[Circle of Eight]] in over fifty years, and Mordenkainen himself had not been seen for more than that."{{csb|Night Watch|170}}  It is possible (dated from other material published at the time in which Mordenkainen is present) this would place ''Night Watch'' at least in [[630 CY]] or later if it is considered part of the same [[timeline]].  Or  it may be that it is a more contemporary year, and the "past" is retconned so that Mordenkainen has not been seen.
In ''[[Night Watch]]'', [[Robin Wayne Bailey]] names the current [[Lord Mayor]] and other Directors.  Though no specific date is given, the book is set in a timeline of Greyhawk where "no one... had heard from the [[Circle of Eight]] in over fifty years, and Mordenkainen himself had not been seen for more than that."{{csb|Night Watch|170}}  This is possibly set in a contemporary year and the "past" is retconned so that Mordenkainen has not been seen, or this may be a possible "future".  This would place ''Night Watch'' at least in [[630 CY]] or later if it is considered part of the same [[timeline]] (dated from other material published at the time in which Mordenkainen is present) .  


The City of Greyhawk in the novel has different  members of the Directorate, but [[Nerof Gasgal]] only died months before{{csb|Night Watch|270}} and "no one had been too upset when Nerof died suddenly under questionable circumstances."{{csb|Night Watch|229}}  This would mean (if part of the same timeline) [[Nerof Gasgal]] lives to be near 110 years old and Lord Mayor for 80 years before being murdered.  He is also murdered in [[598 CY]] in other officially published material.{{csb|Grumbler3|1}}
The City of Greyhawk in the novel has different  members of the Directorate, but [[Nerof Gasgal]] only died months before{{csb|Night Watch|270}} and "no one had been too upset when Nerof died suddenly under questionable circumstances."{{csb|Night Watch|229}}  Gasgal is also murdered in [[598 CY]] in other officially published material.{{csb|Grumbler3|1}}  If the novel is considered part of the same timeline, this would mean [[Nerof Gasgal]] lives to be near 110 years old and Lord Mayor for 80 years before being murdered.   


[[Dak Kasinskaia]] has taken the place as the high priest of [[Rao]] from the earlier Patriarch,  [[Jerome Kazinskaia|Jerome Kasinskaia]].{{csb|Night Watch|103}}  Their relationship is not stated.
[[Dak Kasinskaia]] takes the place as the high priest of [[Rao]] from the earlier Patriarch,  [[Jerome Kazinskaia|Jerome Kasinskaia]].{{csb|Night Watch|102-103}}  Their relationship to each other is not stated.


There are eighteen Directing Oligarchs in ''Night Watch''.{{csb|Night Watch|103}}  Among them are:
There are eighteen Directing Oligarchs in ''Night Watch''.{{csb|Night Watch|102-103}}  Among them are:
* [[Ellon Thigpen]]—Lord Mayor of Greyhawk who followed [[Nerof Gasgal]].  Previously, he had been one of the Directors for years.{{csb|Night Watch|229}}  Thigpen was ''acting'' [[Lord Mayor]] for two months{{csb|Night Watch|229}} and "carried the title and duties of the office for months since the death of his predecessor".{{csb|Night Watch|270}}  Later, the rest of the Oligrachs confirmed his position with a "formal investiture in a small, quiet ceremony".{{csb|Night Watch|307}}
* [[Ellon Thigpen]]—Lord Mayor of Greyhawk who followed [[Nerof Gasgal]].  Previously, he had been one of the Directors for years.{{csb|Night Watch|229}}  Thigpen was ''acting'' [[Lord Mayor]] for two months{{csb|Night Watch|229}} and "carried the title and duties of the office for months since the death of his predecessor".{{csb|Night Watch|270}}  Later, the rest of the Oligrachs confirmed his position with a "formal investiture in a small, quiet ceremony".{{csb|Night Watch|307}}
* [[Korbian Arthuran]]—Captain General of the Watch{{csb|Night Watch|103}}{{csb|Night Watch|12}}
* [[Korbian Arthuran]]—Captain General of the Watch{{csb|Night Watch|102-103}}{{csb|Night Watch|12}}
* [[Elmon Kohl]]—headmaster of the [[Guild of Lawyers. Scribes, and Accountants]]{{csb|Night Watch|92}}
* [[Elmon Kohl]]—headmaster of the [[Guild of Lawyers. Scribes, and Accountants]]{{csb|Night Watch|92}}
* [[Prestelan Sun]]—guildmaster of the [[Greyhawk Guild of Wizardry|Wizards' Guild]], Lord High Wizard, one of the most powerful Directors.{{csb|Night Watch|103}}
* [[Prestelan Sun]]—guildmaster of the [[Greyhawk Guild of Wizardry|Wizards' Guild]], Lord High Wizard, one of the most powerful Directors.{{csb|Night Watch|102-103}}
* [[Sorvesh Kharn]]—head of the [[Thieves’ Guild]]—previously expected to be the next Lord Mayor, instead of Thigpen{{csb|Night Watch|103}}
* [[Sorvesh Kharn]]—head of the [[Guild of Thieves|Thieves’ Guild]]—previously expected to be the next Lord Mayor, instead of Thigpen{{csb|Night Watch|102-103}}
* [[Dak Kasinskaia]]—the youthful patriarch of the Temple of [[Rao]]{{csb|Night Watch|103}}
* [[Dak Kasinskaia]]—the youthful patriarch of the Temple of [[Rao]]{{csb|Night Watch|102-103}}
* [[Axen Kilgaren]]—the silent, brooding master of the [[Assassins’ Guild]]{{csb|Night Watch|103}}
* [[Axen Kilgaren]]—the silent, brooding master of the [[Assassins’ Guild]]{{csb|Night Watch|102-103}}
* [[Rankin Fasterace]]—Inspector of Taxes.  Plump and bejeweled, the general citizenry called him "Fester-face"{{csb|Night Watch|103}}
* [[Rankin Fasterace]]—Inspector of Taxes.  Plump and bejeweled, the general citizenry called him "Fester-face"{{csb|Night Watch|102-103}}
* [[Acton Kathenor]]—high priest of [[Boccob]]{{csb|Night Watch|103}}
* [[Acton Kathenor]]—high priest of [[Boccob]]{{csb|Night Watch|102-103}}


== In ''Living Greyhawk'' ==  
== In ''Living Greyhawk'' ==  
{{LGsection}}
{{LGsection}}
The Free City was without a Lord Mayor and full Oligarchy for at least four months in [[598 CY]], when six members of the Oligarchy died and/or were murdered.  At the time, Director [[Dernan Nathane]] (Guildmaster of the Merchants' and Traders' Union) planned to sway popular opinion and use the [[Public Council]] of Greyhawk to "ratify ''his appointment'' of a new Oligarch to restore a quorum"{{csb|Grumbler3|1}}{{csb|Foundations ''(2008) ([[RPGA]])'' |2}} He would then attempt to have the other Oligarchs make his role as unofficial acting Lord Mayor {{csb|Grumbler3|1}}{{csb|Foundations ''(2008) ([[RPGA]])'' |2}} made permanent.  His plan focused on needing 11 of 16 Oligarchs for a quorum vote, and with only ten remaining after the disastrous events following Greyhawk’s Centennial Celebrations, the narrative was that the Directorate was unable to vote or act, at all.{{refn|name=quorum |group=note }} However, quorum is counted from the official number of ''sitting'' Directors, not from a set number of members, and there were enough Directors for a vote to appoint new members of the Directing Oligarchy, and Nathane seems to have been attempting to not follow that standard.   
The Free City was without a Lord Mayor and full Oligarchy for at least four months in [[598 CY]], when six members of the Oligarchy died and/or were murdered.  At the time, Director [[Dernan Nathane]] (Guildmaster of the Merchants' and Traders' Union) planned to sway popular opinion and use the [[Public Council]] of Greyhawk to "ratify ''his appointment'' of a new Oligarch to restore a quorum."{{csb|Grumbler3|1}}{{csb|Foundations ''(2008) ([[RPGA]])'' |2}}   His plan was to then attempt to have the other Oligarchs make his role as unofficial acting Lord Mayor {{csb|Grumbler3|1}}{{csb|Foundations ''(2008) ([[RPGA]])'' |2}} made permanent.  His plan focused on needing 11 of 16 Oligarchs for a quorum vote, and with only ten remaining after the disastrous events following Greyhawk’s Centennial Celebrations, the narrative was that the Directorate was unable to vote or act, at all.<ref name=quorum1 group=note />{{refn|name=quorum2 |group=note |This number (11) is based on the number of sitting Directors being sixteen.  However, the number of sitting Directors fell from sixteen to ten with the murders/deaths occurring at the Centennial Celebrations of [[598 CY]].  Two-thirds majority (quorum) would be counted from ''sitting'' Directors, and actoins could be performed by seven Directors (two-thirds of ten).}} However, quorum is counted from the official number of ''sitting'' Directors, not a quorum counted from a specific number of members.  There were enough Directors for a vote to appoint new members of the Directing Oligarchy, and Nathane seems to have been attempting to not follow that standard.   


The outcome is not known, so it is possible the normal procedure for appointing new Directors (a quorum vote, instead of appointment by the Public Council) followed later in the year (after [[Goodmonth]]).  It is also possible an appointment by the Public Council was still made, and a vote by sitting Directors to elect a Lord Mayor was made.
The outcome is not known, so it is possible the normal procedure for appointing new Directors (a quorum vote, instead of appointment by the Public Council) followed later in the year (after [[Goodmonth]]).  It is also possible an appointment by the Public Council was still made, and a vote by sitting Directors to elect a Lord Mayor was made.
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[[Category:Organizations]]
[[Category:Organizations]]
[[Category:Councils]]

Latest revision as of 09:48, 21 July 2025

Greyhawk Organization
Directing Oligarchy
Other names:Directorate, Directorship, Oligarachy
Type:Government
Founded:209 CY
Leader:Lord Mayor Nerof Gasgal
Members:Greyhawk citizens
Headquarters:Free City of Greyhawk
Enemies:Iuz, Pomarj

The Directing Oligarchy of the Free City of Greyhawk, sometimes called the Directorship[1], Directorate[2], or simply the Oligarchy[3] is the chief governing body of Greyhawk City. The Directing Oligarchy is also responsible for governing the Domain of Greyhawk, though its authority and reach is somewhat more limited in that respect. Members of the Directing Oligarchy are called "Directors" or sometimes "Oligarchs".

Description

Everyday management of the City and the Domain are the direct responsibility of the Oligarchy, though the Directors "rule leniently."[4].

The Directors meet each week on Starday[5] at the Lord Mayor's Palace (City Hall) (#H14).

Advisory councils

There are four advisory councils which, in theory, serve the interests of various groups as representatives to the Oligarchy. Each meets separately with the Directors quarterly or annually.

The Public Council stands out as a democraticly, popularly-elected advisory body consisting of eight representatives, one from each of the city's quarters.

History

The Directing Oligarchy traces its roots back to the early third century CY, when Greyhawk was still subject to the Great Kingdom. In 209 CY, Greyhawk's garrison commander, Ponjes the Bull, was appointed Landgraf of the Selintan by Overking Jiranen, after the assassination of Landgraf Lucien Nial. Attempting to avoid Nial's fate, Ponjes restructured the local government, dubbing himself Greyhawk's first Lord Mayor, and creating an executive council to share power, composed of military, civic, and religious leaders—the Directing Oligarchy.

Notable Lord Mayors of the Free City of Greyhawk
Name Years of Reign Notes
Ponjes the Bull 209 CY - (?) first Lord Mayor
Omt the Hairy fl. c.261 CY
Zagig Yragerne c.310 to 421 CY[6]
Paerinn fl. c.498 CY Declared Greyhawk a Free City
Nerof Gasgal 570-598 CY
Ellon Thigpen (?) in the novel Night Watch

Members

The Directing Oligarchy usually numbers around sixteen[7][8][9] but can range from twelve to eighteen individuals,[7][5][10][11] representing the city's major professional guilds and the military. Certain positions on the Directorate are set. Among these are "Captain-General of the Watch, the Constable [of the Watch], the Guildmaster of Thieves, and the Guildmaster of Assassins."[10][11] Other seats on the council are filled variously by "representatives of the Society of Magi, the Merchants and Traders Union, Artisans' League, and clerical leaders"[9][10][11] (especially of Boccob and Rao), as well as the "Inspector of Taxes".[9]

A Director's term is indefinite, though a director may leave office through retirement, being removed from office, or death.[7] A Director may also resign from office.[8][12] The Lord Mayor's term is also indefinite, unless they "die, retire, resign, or fail a no-confidence vote consisting of a two-thirds majority of the Directing Oligarchy."[5] Current sitting council members elect new Directors when a vacancy is to be filled,[5][12] though they are "not always obliged to replace an Oligarch"[7] and "replacement of an Oligarch who dies or retires is not required."[5] To replace a Lord Mayor or Director, they must have a "two-thirds majority"[5] or quorum[12] (the minimum number of members who must be present (as opposed to the number voting) for official business to be carried out)—though quorum changes based on the number of sitting Directors on the Oligarchy at any given time.[note 1]

Directors elect one of their number to serve as Lord Mayor. The Lord Mayor serves for life, acting as head of state for the City and Domain of Greyhawk, while also heading both the Directing Oligarchy and the Council of Mayors and Manorial Lords. The Lord Mayor also officially acts as commander-in-chief of Greyhawk's military, though actual command is most often left to the Captain General of the Watch.

Recent Directors

In Planting 598 CY, the Directing Oligarchy numbered sixteen. It was reduced to ten with the deaths and murders of five Oligarchs during the Centennial Celebrations in Goodmonth, and the absconding of Turin Deathstalker.
The Oligarchy consists of the following members:[8]

Former Directors

The following Directors are listed in the order in which they left the Directing Oligarchy:

Later members

In Night Watch, Robin Wayne Bailey names the current Lord Mayor and other Directors. Though no specific date is given, the book is set in a timeline of Greyhawk where "no one... had heard from the Circle of Eight in over fifty years, and Mordenkainen himself had not been seen for more than that."[15] This is possibly set in a contemporary year and the "past" is retconned so that Mordenkainen has not been seen, or this may be a possible "future". This would place Night Watch at least in 630 CY or later if it is considered part of the same timeline (dated from other material published at the time in which Mordenkainen is present) .

The City of Greyhawk in the novel has different members of the Directorate, but Nerof Gasgal only died months before[16] and "no one had been too upset when Nerof died suddenly under questionable circumstances."[17] Gasgal is also murdered in 598 CY in other officially published material.[12] If the novel is considered part of the same timeline, this would mean Nerof Gasgal lives to be near 110 years old and Lord Mayor for 80 years before being murdered.

Dak Kasinskaia takes the place as the high priest of Rao from the earlier Patriarch, Jerome Kasinskaia.[18] Their relationship to each other is not stated.

There are eighteen Directing Oligarchs in Night Watch.[18] Among them are:

In Living Greyhawk

The Free City was without a Lord Mayor and full Oligarchy for at least four months in 598 CY, when six members of the Oligarchy died and/or were murdered. At the time, Director Dernan Nathane (Guildmaster of the Merchants' and Traders' Union) planned to sway popular opinion and use the Public Council of Greyhawk to "ratify his appointment of a new Oligarch to restore a quorum."[12][22] His plan was to then attempt to have the other Oligarchs make his role as unofficial acting Lord Mayor [12][22] made permanent. His plan focused on needing 11 of 16 Oligarchs for a quorum vote, and with only ten remaining after the disastrous events following Greyhawk’s Centennial Celebrations, the narrative was that the Directorate was unable to vote or act, at all.[note 1][note 2] However, quorum is counted from the official number of sitting Directors, not a quorum counted from a specific number of members. There were enough Directors for a vote to appoint new members of the Directing Oligarchy, and Nathane seems to have been attempting to not follow that standard.

The outcome is not known, so it is possible the normal procedure for appointing new Directors (a quorum vote, instead of appointment by the Public Council) followed later in the year (after Goodmonth). It is also possible an appointment by the Public Council was still made, and a vote by sitting Directors to elect a Lord Mayor was made.

References

Notes

† — denotes a character deceased by 598 CY.
††—denotes a character who died (or was assassinated) during the Centennial Celebrations in 598 CY.[12]
  1. ↑ a b The Adventure Begins cites "a two-thirds majority" [5] (quorum) for council action. Since it is not required to replace Directors if they die, the number of Directors can change, as would quorum. It cannot be assumed with the minimum number of Directors in the Oligarchy being twelve, that quorum would be set to a specific number or that it would ever require a unanimous vote for the Oligarchy to act—this would defeat the purpose of quorum. Quorum of 18 sitting Directors members would be 12 members present, and quorum of 12 sitting Directors would be 9. If there were fewer, action certainly would have to be taken to return the Oligarchy to the required minimum of twelve Directors, but that would not require a unanimous vote of all sitting members, and could be done by fewer Directors.
  2. ↑ This number (11) is based on the number of sitting Directors being sixteen. However, the number of sitting Directors fell from sixteen to ten with the murders/deaths occurring at the Centennial Celebrations of 598 CY. Two-thirds majority (quorum) would be counted from sitting Directors, and actoins could be performed by seven Directors (two-thirds of ten).

Citations

  1. ↑ The City of Greyhawk (1989), p.32, Folk, Feuds, and Factions.
  2. ↑ Night Watch (1990).
  3. ↑ The City of Greyhawk (1989), p.9, Folk, Feuds, and Factions.
  4. ↑ The City of Greyhawk (1989), p.7, Folks, Feuds, and Factions.
  5. ↑ a b c d e f g The Adventure Begins (1998), p.62.
  6. ↑ The Adventure Begins (1998), p.59.
  7. ↑ a b c d The City of Greyhawk (1989), p.6, Folks, Feuds, and Factions.
  8. ↑ a b c d The Directing Oligarchs of Greyhawk. (April 2008)
  9. ↑ a b c Dungeon Master's Guide (2024), p.151.
  10. ↑ a b c The World of Greyhawk Fantasy World Setting (1980), p.11.
  11. ↑ a b c World of Greyhawk Fantasy Game Setting (1983), p.25, Guide.
  12. ↑ a b c d e f g h Greyhawk Grumbler #3, Goodmonth 598 (2008), p.1.
  13. ↑ The Adventure Begins (1998), p.63.
  14. ↑ From the Ashes (1992), p.8, Campaign Book.
  15. ↑ Night Watch (1990), p.170.
  16. ↑ a b Night Watch (1990), p.270.
  17. ↑ a b c Night Watch (1990), p.229.
  18. ↑ a b c d e f g h i Night Watch (1990), p.102-103.
  19. ↑ Night Watch (1990), p.307.
  20. ↑ Night Watch (1990), p.12.
  21. ↑ Night Watch (1990), p.92.
  22. ↑ a b Foundations (2008) (RPGA) , p.2.

Bibliography

———. "Gem of the Flanaess: City of Greyhawk - Clerkburg, part 2." Living Greyhawk Journal #5. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2001.
———. "Gem of the Flanaess: The Artisans' Quarter." Living Greyhawk Journal #2. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2000.

Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index

The Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index (EGI) is based on previous work of Jason Zavoda through '08, continued by numerous other fans. The EGI article has a list of sources, product names, abbreviations, and a link to the full, downloadable index.

Topic Type Description Product Page/Card/Image

Directing Oligarchy (City of Greyhawk) People Group Council, The City of Greyhawk: Adventure Cards 5, 22
Directing Oligarchy (City of Greyhawk) People Group Council, The City of Greyhawk: Folks, Feuds and Factions 4, 6-16, 19, 25, 27-42, 54, 61, 65, 66, 75, 77, 78
Directing Oligarchy (City of Greyhawk) People Group Council, The City of Greyhawk: Gem of the Flanaess 22, 32, 56, 58, 83
Directing Oligarchy (City of Greyhawk) People Group Council, City of Hawks 38, 39, 133, 213, 394
Directing Oligarchy (City of Greyhawk) People Group Council, Dragon magazine #009 6
Directing Oligarchy (City of Greyhawk) People Group Council, Dragon magazine #262 39
Directing Oligarchy (City of Greyhawk) People Group Council, Dragon magazine #268 70
Directing Oligarchy (City of Greyhawk) People Group Council, Dragon magazine #301 88, 90
Directing Oligarchy (City of Greyhawk) People Group Council, Dragon magazine #344 48, 50, 51, 55
Directing Oligarchy (City of Greyhawk) People Group Council, Dragon magazine #359 76
Directing Oligarchy (City of Greyhawk) People Group Council, Dragon magazine #AN3 104
Directing Oligarchy (City of Greyhawk) People Group Council, Dungeon magazine #041 48
Directing Oligarchy (City of Greyhawk) People Group Council, From the Ashes: Campaign Book 4-12, 25, 33, 62-66, 71, 82, 85
Directing Oligarchy (City of Greyhawk) People Group Council, Greyhawk Adventures 36, 37, 40
Directing Oligarchy (City of Greyhawk) People Group Council, Living Greyhawk Gazetteer 41, 51, 52
Directing Oligarchy (City of Greyhawk) People Group Council, Living Greyhawk Journal #0 6
Directing Oligarchy (City of Greyhawk) People Group Council, Living Greyhawk Journal #1 26, 27
Directing Oligarchy (City of Greyhawk) People Group Council, Living Greyhawk Journal #2 7, 8, 9, 10, 29
Directing Oligarchy (City of Greyhawk) People Group Council, Living Greyhawk Journal #3 27
Directing Oligarchy (City of Greyhawk) People Group Council, Living Greyhawk Journal #4 29, 30
Directing Oligarchy (City of Greyhawk) People Group Council, Living Greyhawk Journal #5 4, 5, 9
Directing Oligarchy (City of Greyhawk) People Group Council, Night Arrant 276, 277, 301, 346, 351, 356, 384, 387-392, 396
Directing Oligarchy (City of Greyhawk) People Group Council, Oerth Journal #03 7
Directing Oligarchy (City of Greyhawk) People Group Council, Oerth Journal #04 4
Directing Oligarchy (City of Greyhawk) People Group Council, Oerth Journal #06 20
Directing Oligarchy (City of Greyhawk) People Group Council, Oerth Journal #07 17
Directing Oligarchy (City of Greyhawk) People Group Council, Oerth Journal #10 22,75,76
Directing Oligarchy (City of Greyhawk) People Group Council, Oerth Journal #17 16
Directing Oligarchy (City of Greyhawk) People Group Council, Oerth Journal #28 7
Directing Oligarchy (City of Greyhawk) People Group Council, Oerth Journal #31 28
Directing Oligarchy (City of Greyhawk) People Group Council, Player's Guide to Greyhawk 23, 29
Directing Oligarchy (City of Greyhawk) People Group Council, Restless Nights, D&D 3.5e Web Article Web
Directing Oligarchy (City of Greyhawk) People Group Council, Slavers, AD&D 2e 6, 32, 109
Directing Oligarchy (City of Greyhawk) People Group Council, Saga of Old City 45, 65
Directing Oligarchy (City of Greyhawk) People Group Council, The Adventure Begins 7, 33, 40-43, 45, 47, 54, 58-60, 62-67, 70-72, 74, 76, 78, 83-88, 91, 92, 94-97, 101, 102, 110-112, 114-119, 121, 123, 124, 126
Directing Oligarchy (City of Greyhawk) People Group Council, LT3 The Doomgrinder 22, 23, 27
Directing Oligarchy (City of Greyhawk) People Group Council, WGA4 Vecna Lives! 21, 86
Directing Oligarchy (City of Greyhawk) People Group Council, The World of Greyhawk Fantasy World Setting (Folio) 11
Directing Oligarchy (City of Greyhawk) People Group Council, WGR4 The Marklands 9
Directing Oligarchy (City of Greyhawk) People Group Council, World of Greyhawk boxed set (1983) 25
Directing Oligarchy {Directorate} (City of Greyhawk) People Group Council, Night Watch (1990) 11, 24, 31,
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