Baillages

Avation is divided into a number of administrative units, called baillages ("syssel"). Each baillage is supervised by a bailli ("sysselmann"). There is roughly one baillage for each county.

Royal amercements, fines and taxes are collected in the baillage, and are traditionally presented to the Crown on Beltane and Samhain.

A baillage may be farmed. This means that the bailli pays a fixed sum in advance, corresponding to the expected net value of taxes and amercements from this baillage, and gets as his profit whatever surplus income the baillage has. Farming a baillage is usually (but not always) more profitable for the bailli than for the Crown. However, getting income in advance makes for a more predictable cash flow, and can also be very useful if you have spent the money in advance. Most baillages in Avation are farmed these days.

A baillage is also the highest legal jurisdiction below the national one. It handles felonies, cases against noblement and crimes against the crown

Each baillage is overseen by a bailli, and have four coroners (though cities may have their own coroners).

Bailli (sysselmann): The official who is the chief administrative and judicial officer of a baillage ("syssel"). . Baillis notably collect the crown's taxes and amercements, forwarding them to the Exchequer. The bailli also have administrative responsibility or justice and law enforcement; royal road, castle and fort maintainance; enforcing various mercantile matters and labour laws; executing judicial and administrative writs and decrees; supervising elections; enforcing obligations for public works; and keeping extensive administrative records.

Coroner (lensmann): They have the duty of holding inquests - examining all dead bodies and determining cause of death, along with any possible amercements, and taking testimony from sworn witness. Coroners supervise the coronal courts, and see to it that the King's law is respected. They pursue enemies of the crown. They keep a record of tried court cases and pleas to the Crown, and keep an eye on the bailli's administration.