Organizations of The Crescent
The political landscape of The Crescent is shaped by several major organizations, each with their own goals, methods, and influence over daily life. These factions range from formal diplomatic bodies to secretive groups that operate in the shadows.
The Five Councils
The formal diplomatic structure binding the major city-states together since the Great Convocation (0 ANE). Each city sends three representatives, Trade Voice, Defense Voice, and Sovereign Voice, to bimonthly meetings that rotate between member cities, regulating inter-city trade, coordinating mutual defense, issuing travel documentation, and maintaining the Old King's Road.
Most real work happens in private over dinner and tavern negotiations, with formal sessions making backroom deals official. Cities follow council decisions when convenient and ignore them when not, but the system prevents wars and maintains basic cooperation.
"The Crescent's organizations are clockwork built by committee. The marvel isn't how well it runs, but that it runs at all."
— Observations on Collective Dysfunction, p. 142
The Concord
The Grand Mercantile Concord controls The Crescent's economy through their network of merchant houses. What started as families pooling resources has become the closest thing to a central bank the region has, their economic leverage giving them significant informal political power when they threaten to redirect trade routes.
Everyone knows they handle more than legitimate trade. The houses compete but never openly fight - it's bad for business. Their money funds everything from expeditions to ruins to military campaigns when it benefits them.
Road Wardens
The Road Wardens maintain the Old King's Road infrastructure despite being chronically underfunded and understaffed. Most are people with nowhere else to go, discharged soldiers, exiled criminals seeking redemption, second sons with no inheritance, who patch bridges, clear rockslides, chase off bandits, and investigate when wardstones go dark.
Operating under ancient charters that let them requisition supplies and demand aid, they're always scrambling for resources and choosing between competing crises. Veteran Wardens know things the cities don't - they've seen road sections that weren't there the day before and stones that pulse differently than they used to.
The Iron Pact
A mercenary guild that cemented their reputation during the Tyrangor-Crescent War (1315-1317 ANE), particularly at the Battle for Stonemarch Pass. Led by their Iron Marshal, they maintain strict codes of honor while taking contracts from anyone who can meet their price.
Their militaristic structure and proven combat effectiveness make them invaluable during regional conflicts. The Iron Pact serves as both stabilizing force and potential threat, their loyalty going to whoever pays them, but their honor code prevents them from breaking contracts once made.
Ordo Sera (The Locks)
Followers of Mōrga who suppress dangerous knowledge and maintain social stability. Operating through independent cells led by Lockmasters, they monitor scholars, track down forbidden texts, and make problems disappear when certain topics receive too much attention.
Other Organizations
Regional Guilds
Local craft guilds, trade associations, and professional organizations maintain standards and protect their members' interests within specific cities or industries.
Religious Orders
Various temples and monastic orders serve the spiritual needs of different communities while maintaining their own institutional goals and influence. (See also: Mōrga, Sōlm)
Practical Interactions
Most people encounter these organizations through their services rather than their politics. The Five Councils issue travel papers. The Concord moves goods and arranges deals. Road Wardens maintain safe passage. The Iron Pact provides protection contracts.
Smart travelers learn which organizations operate where, what services they provide, and what conflicts might affect their business. The politics matter less than knowing who to approach when you need something done.
While these major organizations shape The Crescent's political landscape, remember that local authorities, city guards, and settlement councils handle most day-to-day governance and law enforcement.