Brevic Civic Structure

The civic structure of Brevoy tends to be a form of "loose feudalism", with the traditionalist nobility favoring the patriarchy.

The Noble families have a certain degree of autonomy in their own lands (mostly because of difficulty of enforcing central power), but must make at least a show of obedience to the Surtovas. King Noleski Surtova claims to be regent, citing old laws and bloodlines, merely keeping the throne warm for the return of the "rightful rulers" from House Rogarvia. In reality, he's pretty much the highest secular power in the land (after his sister Natala, of course).

The influence of House Surtova is strong in the north (Issia), but down south in Rostland, the Swordlords aren't afraid to speak their minds (when agents of the Surtovas aren't around, of course).

Each of the major houses is responsible for maintaining their own territory, both in the civic and military sense. The vassal lords collect taxes and land rent from the subjects living and working in their land (though - as per influence of the River Freedoms from the neighboring lands - those people are not slaves and are free to move to another province or leave the kingdom entirely). The heads of the great families are also responsible for keeping peace in their land, both in terms of enforcing law, as well as raising armies to defend the realm and protect their subjects.

Each town or village has a mayor, appointed by the noble family of that region. Each region has a sheriff, typically an experienced retired soldier, tasked with keeping the peace, also appointed by the local noble family.