Dearest Greenwealders,
In the time I have served as Baroness, I have come to a realization about this role. That is, one of solitude.
I am a child of the Baronies, born and raised in this realm of walls and wilderness. The life I have known here has been one of cooperation. We work together, we suffer together and through this togetherness, we endure.
Imagine my surprise when becoming Baroness to discover that the title behaves in such opposition to its realm’s beliefs. A realm that depends on its Guilds for their skills and knowledge, and its people for their diligence and devotion.
Then what is a Baron serving in solitude? An ineffective one.
So, for the time I serve as Baroness to the Greenweald Baronies, I pledge a more balanced approach. In respect for our Guilds slowly reforming to their past prestige, I will ensure that they have a Baroness who will heed the words of their hard-earned expertise.
And with that, I call Gildenrat.
Baroness-Wealdsage Grasshoff
The Gildenrat / Gildenrat des Barons
Guild Council to the Baron
Purpose of Gildenrat
It is a council composed of the Guild Leaders and invited Title Holders within the Greenweald Baronies to advise and apprise the current and future Barons.
Gildenrat holds no direct authority over the Baron, its role is purely counsel. Thus, Gildenrat does not absolve the Baron from accountability. Action or inaction on advice given ultimately falls onto the Baron.
It also serves to hold its Baron accountable for their decisions. Poor service on the Baron’s part should be reported to the wider Guilds and the people of the Baronies, so that they may choose more wisely in the Dark Vote. It would be expected that members of Gildenrat will be transparent with their fellow guilders as to the decisions of their Baron.
The Chosen to Serve on Gildenrat
All Guild Leaders, or Guild-chosen representatives, within the Greenweald Baronies are expected to attend Gildenrat. These Leaders sign their name to the Baron’s Book, and sometimes are given a trinket signifying their service to Gildenrat. Should a Guild Leader find themselves indisposed, they may choose a Proxy to sit in their place temporarily. The Baron may never Proxy on Gildenrat.
Any Guild Leader who cannot make the time to serve on the Gildenrat, or even delegate another to serve in their place, should reconsider their capacity to lead.
Guild Leader or chosen of a Guild to serve:
- The Ritters, Ritter Kaptain
- The Crow Doktors, Krahenmeister
- The Houndspriests, Chapter Kaptain
- The Wealdsages, Sage Superior
- The Huntsmarshalls, Huntsmaster
Title Holders expected to serve on Gildenrat:
- The Champion
- The General
- Concordian Title Holders, by Invitation
And finally, individuals by Invitation. Though an individual may not hold a Title, or position of Guild Leader, it may be determined that their judgment and acumen is required in some capacity, and can be formally invited to Gildenrat by the Baron. For example, the Baron’s Aide.
Calling Gildenrat
During Summit, Gildenrat occurs on the first and second day, with the third day optional. Emergency Gildenrat may be called by the Baron, but for the same reasons one would resort to calling Erforderlich.
Throughout the year, a Baron may choose to call Gildenrat to convene at any time, within reason, and taking into account the duties Guild Leader and Title Holders have committed themselves to. Unreasonably summoning Gildenrat would be considered in poor form of a Baron.