Honorable Chamber
 | This article is about a topic found primarily or only in the RPGA's Living Greyhawk campaign (2000-2008). While it is officially sanctioned and is frequently based on officially published material, it may be considered unofficial or non-canonical to the setting. |
The Honorable Chamber is an advisory group of Suel nobles to the Duke of the Duchy of Urnst.[1]
Overview
The Honorable Chamber is an ancient institution predating the office of the Duke. Originally formed as a senate, it was responsible for selecting the first Duke of the Duchy. Today, it remains a gathering of Suel nobility, dedicated to promoting their interests and maintaining their privileges.
Structure
Membership
The Honorable Chamber consists of:
- 162 Hereditary Seats – Passed to the eldest child of the current holder.
- 91 Appointed Seats – Granted by the Duke, typically to loyal family members, nobles of great service, or political allies.
Eligibility
Only Suel nobles who trace their lineage back to House Maure, the first Suel House in the Duchy, may serve in the Chamber.
Functions & Authority
Advisory Role
- Officially, the Chamber serves as an advisory council to the Duke.
- In practice, its recommendations on revenue, taxation, laws, and noble disputes are rarely ignored.
- The Chamber holds significant influence over the Duchy’s governance.
Meetings
- Held annually after the harvest in Leukish, lasting for one month.
- The Duke may call for additional sessions as needed.
Seats & Succession
Hereditary Seats
- Passed to the eldest child upon the seat-holder's death or retirement.
- Can only be forfeited in cases of treason or murder of a noble, with the Duke reclaiming the seat.
- If a noble house dies out, the seat may be reassigned to distant relatives or another family (rarely, 2-3 times per generation).
Appointed Seats
- Often given to the Duke’s allies, distinguished Suel individuals, or key government officials (e.g., Admirals, Field Marshals, County Governors).
- Historically, high priests of major faiths were included, but this was abolished by Duke Justinian and not reinstated by Duke Karll.
Leadership & Organization
First Council
- Selected by the Duke, but must be approved by the Chamber to maintain cooperation.
- Oversees the Chamber’s operations and selects committee chairs.
Privy Council
- Composed of committee chairs, making it the true governing body of the Chamber.
Powers & Political Influence
- While the Chamber is technically advisory, its decisions on noble matters carry immense weight.
- The Duke rarely overrules the Chamber, particularly on land titles, taxation, and charters.
- By tradition, business operations beyond one’s home county require a charter, and the Chamber handles most charter approvals.
Political Factions
The Chamber is a hotbed of political maneuvering, bribery, and shifting alliances. The most influential factions include:
Noble-Merchant Houses
Traditional Noble Houses
Religious Influence & Conflict
- The Chamber is dominated by Skeptic philosophy, with few clerics in attendance.
- Religious representatives are often ignored or publicly chastised.
- Duke Karll has openly opposed the Chamber’s anti-religious stance, causing significant tensions with the nobility.
Notable Traditions & Controversies
- No weapons or spell components are allowed in the Chamber due to frequent fights.
- Secret dealings and backroom negotiations dictate much of its power dynamics.
- Clerics are campaigning to restore their seats, but face opposition from entrenched Skeptic leaders.
Historical Notes & Recent Events
- The Temple Coalition Revolt significantly weakened religious influence in the Chamber.
- A vacant hereditary seat recently sparked intense political competition, with multiple noble houses vying for the position.