Lisma

Lisma is the artistic centre of Paese. It has more artists and creative types than any other city state. It maintains a small standing army but spends most income on patronage.

Lisma elects governors every three years, from a pool of any citizens of good standing (with no outstanding convictions or debts). The whole of Lisma nominates candidates. The eleven with the most nominations gain the right to enter the Council Chambers. The individual with the most nominations of those eleven is given the title of Governor. They can introduce legislation and cast tie-breaking votes in the case of deadlock. Despite there being no such thing as candidacy or seeking election, many citizens make speeches, artworks or perform good deeds for their neighbours in order to get noticed in the build-up to voting. Taking up a seat is compulsory, under threat of a fine or prison sentence. Only a few people have successfully turned down the post.

Lismans are very proud of their city and traditions, which means in practice few contentious votes take place in the Council Chambers. Despite many citizens having misgivings about the city's budget going mostly on arts funding, they would feel too un-Lisman to change it. To get around this issue, anything citizens wish funded they simply declare to be art and receive a grant from the Council. Lismans have become experts at navigating bureaucracy in this manner.

Via Sycamore had a pothole on it for several months. The Council was unconvinced it was worth doing anything about it until an artist painted a fresco on it. Then the Council sent art restorers to keep the road in good condition. The fresco was considered of such good quality that it remains to this day and the road is now pedestrianised.