The Council of Nobles is the supreme ruling body of Neo-Europa, composed of one representative from each of the Seven Families—ancient dynasties that evolved into megacorporations. Formed in the aftermath of the City Unification Pact, the Council governs matters of law, infrastructure, digital sovereignty, and public protocol.
Composition
The Council consists of:
- Seven Nobles, one from each ruling Family:
- Julia Clutine (Serhugh Group)
- Quinty Codenberg (Codenberg Corp)
- Ray Stenweg (Stenweg Cyber)
- Oleg Serolov (Serolov Conglomerate)
- Severus Sleus (Sleus Dynatek)
- Arata Swert (Swert Systems)
- Gérard Rodenbex (Rodenbex Industries)
Each Noble is supported by two distinct agents:
The Banner
- The Right Hand of the Noble, representing them publicly in matters of diplomacy, honor, and tradition.
- Expected to act with chivalry, etiquette, and visible discipline.
- Colloquially referred to as the “Banner” – a living symbol of the Family’s public face.
The Dagger
- The Left Hand of the Noble, operating covertly to protect and enforce their influence behind closed doors.
- Engages in espionage, intimidation, and political manipulation.
- Known as the “Dagger” – hidden, sharp, and deadly.
The First Scaper
- The Council is guided by a rotating leadership role called the First Scaper, derived from the medieval First Schepen.
- The First Scaper does not rule but facilitates consensus, shapes debate, and controls the flow of Council business.
- Chosen via a secret ballot among the Nobles—often influenced by bribery, blackmail, and political maneuvering.
Function and Authority
Unlike modern parliaments or corporate boards, the Council does not operate through formal voting. Instead, it reaches decisions through deliberation and consensus. Unity is expected in the final ruling, regardless of the arguments behind closed doors.
Responsibilities include:
- Enforcing and interpreting the City Law Grid
- Sanctioning major urban expansions or demolitions
- Overseeing cybernetic regulation and memory law
- Resolving conflicts between megacorporations
- Managing succession within noble families
Council Protocols
- Sessions take place in the Chamber of Accord — a soundproofed, AI-guarded structure atop the central tower known as The Ascendant Core.
- Each meeting begins with the ceremonial presentation of Banners and the silent entry of Daggers.
- Surveillance within the Chamber is strictly internal; external observation is forbidden.
Known Traditions
- Daggers may not speak publicly unless authorized by the Noble.
- Banners must adhere to the Code of Public Conduct, rooted in knightly chivalry.
- In rare cases, a Noble may allow a Dagger to serve in both roles—though this is widely seen as a breach of honor.
Notable Incidents
- The Council Simulation Leaks – Ray Stenweg’s VR corp was caught running private simulations of Council members dying under various scenarios. While no charges were filed, trust was severely strained.
- Pierre Papillon Ascends – Severus Sleus’s Dagger, Pierre Papillon, assumed the duties of Banner as well. This unprecedented move shook Council tradition and remains controversial.
- The Velvet Walkout – Sahira Rodenbex once exited a Council session mid-deliberation, prompting a full procedural reset. The reasons remain classified.
Public Perception
The Council is both feared and revered. To most citizens of Neo-Europa, it is a distant, towering institution—part law, part myth. They know the Seven rule, but few understand how. Even fewer survive attempts to influence it.
Legacy
The Council is modeled after the historic Schepenbank of medieval Brussels—an oligarchic chamber of aldermen who governed through influence and tradition rather than democracy. In 2084, the system endures in form, if not in spirit.
“Power does not vote. Power agrees.” – Council proverb