It's understood in Solaria that the State is the person of Malus and the claims of House Solari. Regions are "administered" in a more eastern fashion. Like Byzantines, Seljuks, Mamluks, whatever. Tyranny wins again! Taxes are kept stupidly low (10% realm share, soon to be dropping to 5%), lords get rich, vassals almost never ask for gold, so nobody complains. So, I feel that folks are free to pursue their interests. It's really rather laissez-faire, which I hope translates into councilors that are lobbying for the roles because they've got some talent or interest in the area. It would not be the first time I've pursued a dead end.
