Elder Authority

Elder authority stipulates a form of governance over a single rural community that's most commonly tribal and illiterate. The term "elder" describes one of the oldest members of the community, perceived to be wiser than others and therefore most qualified to make decisions for the general welfare of a hamlet or village. Where elder authority exists, most members of the community are related to one another by clan or tribe, or are bound together by religion.

The next eldest community member is elevated to an elder role upon a death, though the remaining elders can agree to bar the investiture of a new member. The number of elders is typically five, seven or nine, always an odd number; very, very rarely the number might be eleven, but it's never less than five.

Rulings

In cultures lacking guards, civil law or personal inheritance, the local elders are tasked with adjudicating disagreements, assigning persons to act on the elders' authority, redistributing lands to ensure everyone has enough to support themselves, denying the right to build or clear land, protection of the community, the payment of debts — if so desired for those who cannot — and the making of many lesser decisions.

Most judgements are firmly precedent-determined. Persons are allowed to act when doing so keeps with standards of action that have been defined in the past. In recognition of this, present-day elders cannot vote themselves privileges that past elders didn't possess. Rigorous tradition acts as a stabilising force, ensuring that younger, stronger members don't themselves seize power if the elders prove too ambitious.