The 4 Crowns, The Charter, and who governs Fort Aralan

Long ago the 4 largest and most stable nations in the "old world" established a treaty to deal with "new world" issues. They feared contact with anything from the west side of the ocean might re-ignite the devastating plague. They established laws banning travel there. This alliance of 2 human kingdoms, the largest dwarf kingdom and the Eladrin enforced the laws with the joint use of their navies. Together they worked to detect magical travel to the banned area, and sought to punish anyone who went there without authorization. Smaller nations, including those of gnomes and halflings largely followed the lead of "The Four Crowns".

It is "The 4 Crowns" who decided that travel should once again be permitted. They issued charters two 5 wealthy nobles. The charters allowed for the establishment of colonies.

Since the charter was issued jointly by 4 nations, there are occasionaly disputes amoung the 4 Crowns about how to govern these territories.

Aralan is an Eladrin wizard, but he frequently lives among and does business with humans. He sold shares in his charter to any one who wished to risk him money. Shareholders were parcelled out land surrounding Fort Aralan by lottery.

Aralan's personal representative in the colony is known by the title "Governor". He resides in and works from the garrison at Fort Aralan proper. He's responsible for the larger colony, including areas outside of the city. The colonies warships and garrisons are under his authority.

A council made up of local business men of importance, and representatives of the charter investors govern the city itself. They conduct their work from the civic district known as "City Hall".