On Government in Farou
A common perception of Farou is one of a land of perpetual instability. To the well-traveled and knowledgeable of other countries, Farou is famed for its rapid changes of government. In Hu’ut ‘Paron’ (Faroun) is a perjorative for indecisive or irrational behaviour. In Triluin, ‘Farui’ (again, derived from the word ‘Faroun’
indicates someone who deliberately and happily places themselves in precarious situations.
To be fair, that is quite true for the Kings of Farou. On average, they reign for only a handful of months or years before they either abdicate willingly (having either completed their goals or become unwilling to extend the period of risk), or are ousted in civilian or Council-led coups. Only a few of the greatest kings manage to last for significant portions of their lifespans- Maohuanaei Raelof reigned for over half a century before he passed away from old age.
There is no denying it- the Monarchy is enormously unstable. However, this is a fundamental part of the establishment of Farou, and over the centuries of its existence the nation has developed into a position where these changes of leader have little effect on the stability of the government. As it is, the Faroun have grown exceedingly efficient at the process of removing from power anyone who would seek to infringe upon their vaunted freedoms.
The structure of the Faroun government is really quite simple. There is a King, who wields, in theory, complete control. A skilled king will know that this power is only to be very cautiously and subtly exercised- anything rash is typically countered by the Council, or if the transgression is serious enough, the vigilantism of the general populace.
The Council is composed of leading members of the family houses of Farou. The rather tight bonds within the families typically prevents significant individual corruption in the hands of powerful senators. However, there is significant widescale corruption in the Council, each trying to improve the lot of their typically giant extended families. The results of this feature of Faroun government are multiple: there are many services and goods that would in other countries be available only to the elite, that are available to the masses in Farou. Public art houses, theatres, arenas, and more are common throughout the nation.
A successful king will work closely with the Council. Typically, the Council does not interfere too much with the actions of the king- the king will more often than not focus on large-scale or international affairs, while the Council devotes its time and energy towards domestic issues. However, when a king goes too far, the Council is quick to action.
In some occasions, the king will back down as soon as the Council pushes back. However, if he refuses, or if the Council:
Considers a transgression to be too severe to forgive.
Wants to make an example.
Is, on average, in a bad mood.
Feels like it.
Etc.
Then the Councillors will call upon the families that they represent to overthrow their leader. These changes of government are typically accomplished with minimal bloodshed. The Military, which is controlled by the Council, stays out of these affairs, with few exceptions.
Thus, from a starting point of a simple monarchy ruling in a culture composed of many large, tight-knit family groups, Farou has developed an elabourate system of governance, which results in civilian control of government, a history nearly free of despotism, a fairly high standard of living and education, and a turnover rate higher than any other monarchy in existence.