Council of Nobles
The Council of Nobles is the supreme ruling body of Neo-Europa, composed of one representative from each of the Seven Families—corporate dynasties that evolved from the medieval elite. The Council was established in the aftermath of the City Unification Pact, and remains the dominant organ of governance in 2084, blending aristocratic ritual with megacorporate control.
Structure and Composition
The Council is composed of seven Nobles, each drawn from one of the ruling Houses. Each Noble is supported by two personal envoys: a Banner and a Dagger. The Banner represents the House in ceremonial and diplomatic matters; the Dagger executes covert tasks and manages unseen influence.
Current Council Membership
| Noble | Family | Banner (Right Hand) | Dagger (Left Hand) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Julia Clutine | Serhugh Group | Walter Berthout | Salvatore Mendez |
| Quinty Codenberg | Codenberg Corp | Hendrik Estor | John Weinvlit |
| Ray Stenweg | Stenweg Cyber | Phillips Hardenberg | Jonas Hardenberg |
| Oleg Serolov | Serolov Conglomerate | John de Graaff | Henri Capet |
| Severus Sleus | Sleus Dynatek | (Vacant; handled by Dagger) | Pierre Papillon |
| Arata Swert | Swert Systems | Sota Tanaka | Chiyo Matsumoto |
| Gérard Rodenbex | Rodenbex Industries | Rashid Rodenbex-Darwish | Sahira Rodenbex |
The First Scaper
One Council member serves as the First Scaper, a rotating position that facilitates debate, shapes consensus, and sets meeting agendas. While not a ruler, the First Scaper guides proceedings and controls flow. Chosen by secret ballot, the selection is notoriously subject to subtle bribery, blackmail, and influence.
Authority and Function
The Council does not operate by vote, but by consensus. Internal debate is private; once consensus is declared, all Nobles publicly present a unified front.
Key responsibilities include:
- Enforcing the City Law Grid
- Overseeing Cypherspace regulations and implant law
- Resolving disputes between Houses and subsidiaries
- Approving urban restructuring or cybernetic zoning
- Managing dynastic succession within the Families
Council Protocols
Council sessions occur in the Chamber of Accord, located atop the Ascendant Core—Neo-Europa's central tower. Protocol demands:
- Silent entry of Daggers before proceedings
- Presentation of Banners with ritual oath
- No external surveillance; only internal AI recordkeeping
Traditions
- Daggers may not speak publicly unless authorized
- Banners must adhere to the Code of Public Conduct
- A Noble may rarely permit a Dagger to serve both roles
Recent Incidents
- Council Simulation Leaks: Ray Stenweg's firm was exposed for simulating deaths of Council members in private VR models.
- Pierre Papillon's Dual Role: As both Banner and Dagger to Severus Sleus, Pierre's public presence violates Council tradition.
- The Velvet Walkout: Sahira Rodenbex exited mid-session, voiding consensus and triggering a procedural reset.
Public Perception
The Council is seen as distant, mythic, and untouchable. Most Ladder citizens understand that the Seven rule—but not how. Attempts to interfere with Council business are often fatal.
Historical Roots
The Council draws on the heritage of the medieval Schepenbank of Brussels, where elite aldermen governed without public consent. Neo-Europa's Council preserves this tradition—refined by centuries of corporate power.
"Power does not vote. Power agrees." – Council proverb