Putting things to be decided by poll is a Bay12 culture thing. Most other places I've visited don't do that. We like putting things to be decided by a poll. Most people here are comfortable with having decisions made like that.
I agree it's not applicable in all situations, but it's just how we do things around here.
The poll doesn't force people to comply, either. If someone wanted to stay behind in Dumathoin, we're not going to punish them or something silly for not abiding by the vote.
Drawing from both Elephant Parade's and Zanzetkuken's constitutions:
Captain of the Guard: The captain is elected by the council and is in charge of managing the fortress' military. They have one vote on any military matter put to Council vote, and two on any military matter put to global vote.
Civic Council: The council is elected on the last day of every second month by the citizens of the Twelfth Bay. The council makes most decisions regarding day-to-day governing.
The size of the council is an even number depending on the number of active citizens.
Mayor: Whoever gets the most votes in the Council election is named Mayor, and they are tasked with managing the Council's affairs.
King: The king is not elected on a regular basis. However, a council member can call for an election to select a king. The King's job is to break ties during council and global elections, and he acts as the highest authority during emergencies. This is basically to prevent the slow response of putting decisions to council or global vote when they need to be made quickly.
Anyone else is welcome to post their ideas on how we should govern ourselves. Once we decide on a bare-bones solution, probably by poll, whoever ends up in charge can sort out the finer details.
As far as aesthetics are concerned, I like the sound of lava, iron, and smooth stone/stone bricks. Maybe spruce in places, if they will grow in ice mountains.