The Council
These are the individuals who make up the "Ruling Council", together controlling the majority of the cities wealth and trade routes. Made up from five head figures in the merchant community, either by blood, sweat, and tears, or outright villainous deeds, each member has the right to rule individually, though that ruling can be challenged by majority, one versus two, two versus three. This, however, is time consuming and like most, those on the Ruling Council may take offense to such a challenge, so it is not a decision to be taken lightly.