Government

Au'Kael usually did not have much of a centralized government before the Veldt War, usually trying to stay aloof of the political affairs in the world beyond the Veldt. Further, bands and sedentary populations were bound together more by shared traditions and religious beliefs than by any centralized authority, with bands especially being autonomous to deal with their own situations.

Prior to the war, the closest thing to a government they had were the Keepers, a three-member council in Afyon made up of a prominent Driver, Bard, and Reader, whose duties were to oversee the Shrine of Possibilities, and by extension became the executive authority within the bounds of Afyon itself. This council had great respect within Au'Kael society, and could actively advise and counsel at need. But while their opinions and recommendations were valued and respected, they could not exercise any authority outside the confines of the city.

In the aftermath of the Veldt War, when the region gained a good deal of regional autonomy, it was decided that new governing institutions were needed. Within the rebuilt Afyon, one of the new structures was the Council House, where the governing body (Council) met. The council consisted of the Keepers, who retained their old position and authority, along with representatives from Afyon and the other settled Au'Kael villages, and it is highly desireable that any Band leaders passing through the city also participate in the Council during their time in the city. The council was further expanded to include advisory representatives from the various diaspora communities. The council, as much as possible, governs by consensus. That is, they debate issues, finding a compromise that all present can accept, and then pass unanimous declarations. This form of government can be very slow, and enact only minor changes in policy. But the greater role of the council is as an advisory body to share knowledge and planning, since the various entities represented (Afyon, towns, bands, etc.) are still operating with a great deal of internal autonomy.

The overall governing authority for the Veldt resides in the General Court in Tyre, which acts as the governing body for the entire autonomus region in east Kael. Even so, the interior regions are granted a great deal of autonomy, and have representation in the Court itself.