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Suebians Civil Tier 12

Royal Council

A wise ruler has the maturity to respect many points of view.

Power always was a fickle partner, and no less so in antiquity. The warrior-led societies of ancient Europe were based primarily on the strength of the individual. Much like Attila's empire in the east, western barbarian kingdoms were held together by the passion and power of their leader. A weak man could be toppled by stronger claimants to his throne. However, there were several ways a leader could maintain power. Victory in battle could help ensure he was feared and respected in equal measure; a man who gained glory on the battlefield was more likely to keep the support of his people. A ruler battered by military defeats would be seen as weak and, more importantly, vulnerable to usurpation by a stronger claimant. Power through law and religion was another way to gain and maintain strength. If the king was also the arbiter in all matters - even meting out 'divine justice' then his power extended to the lowest man, helping to reinforce his position further. Of course, loyalty could also be bought with cold, hard bribery; the distribution of prestigious gifts guaranteed the dedication of subordinate chiefs, at least temporarily. There is even evidence of industries dedicated to the production of prestige items, primarily for barbarian kings to purchase loyalty. Of particular value were those items of Roman design, which linked their owners to the resplendence of Imperial Rome.

Effects

Food: +5 from developments (all provinces)
Public order: +1 from bureaucratic reforms (all provinces)
Political action cost: -25% personal influence (all characters)

Requires
Requires Technologies	Royal Household

Enables
Enables Technologies	The Barbarian Code King's Court
Enables Buildings	Warlord's Keep Chieftain's Keep Royal Encampment

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