What Are Settlement Leadership Positions?



Settlement leadership positions, often called council or government positions, are roles players can hold that come with specific powers and responsibilities within a settlement. These positions are tied to seasonal titles, meaning players can achieve them through progression and performance rather than election alone.



Most players will encounter these roles as they explore settlements that have grown past the early stages (like Winstead Village, which is a stage 3 settlement). These positions are designed to add depth to social and political gameplay, allowing multiple players to have meaningful influence over a node’s development.



Who Can Become a Leader?



There are several types of leadership positions, and they are generally divided into two main categories:



Mayor – The primary elected leader of a settlement. The Mayor holds significant authority over the node, including initiating projects, setting tax policies, and organizing defense or public works. In practice, Mayors are often players who are deeply invested in the settlement’s success and willing to coordinate with others on both administrative and political tasks.



Council Members and Other Node Leaders – These are positions that are not chosen by the Mayor but earned through different progression paths. Some examples include:



Priests, Bishops, or Acolytes – These roles relate to the temple within a node. Players who pursue these paths often focus on spiritual or community-based aspects of the settlement.



Social Organization Leaders – Positions tied to social or civic buildings, such as guild halls or community centers. Players in these roles help manage social activities, events, and organizational efforts within the settlement.



Patron Guild Leaders – These leaders represent influential guilds within the node, helping to guide economic and combat-focused aspects.



Chief Bounty Hunter – A specialized role often tied to law enforcement or combat-oriented oversight, depending on the node’s systems.



These positions have different duties, privileges, and responsibilities from the Mayor, which means a well-functioning settlement will usually have multiple leaders handling different areas of governance.



How Are These Positions Obtained?



Most non-Mayor positions are achieved through seasonal ladders of progression. Players work through a series of challenges, achievements, or organizational contributions to earn titles that grant these powers.



For example, a temple in a stage 3 settlement might have enough upgrades to allow for an Archbishop position. Players working toward this position will progress through a ladder of spiritual achievements until the role is unlocked.



Similarly, social organization roles depend on contributions to guilds, public events, or community-driven initiatives. Players who consistently engage in these activities often rise through the ranks to attain leadership titles.



What Powers and Responsibilities Do Leaders Have?



Each leadership position carries specific powers within the node. These may include:



Access to special buildings or resources



Ability to propose or manage community projects



Influence over taxation, trade, or crafting incentives



Role in law enforcement or combat-related tasks



Permissions to organize events, rituals, or ceremonies



In general, the Mayor has overarching authority, while other council members specialize in areas like religion, social management, or guild leadership. This structure creates a system of checks and balances, where multiple players contribute to the settlement’s growth rather than relying solely on one leader.



Most players find that settlements with active councils progress faster and feel more vibrant because responsibilities are spread among multiple engaged players.



How Does Leadership Affect Player Experience?



Being in a leadership position in AoC is both rewarding and challenging. Here’s what to expect:



Collaboration is Key: No leader operates in isolation. Mayors often need to coordinate with council members, guild leaders, and temple authorities to make strategic decisions.



Seasonal Turnover: Leadership positions, especially those tied to seasonal ladders, change over time. Players have opportunities to climb the ranks or step down, which keeps governance dynamic.



Community Impact: Leaders directly influence how their settlement grows, which affects trade, crafting, PvP hotspots, and social activities. Players outside leadership roles will notice differences in settlement vibrancy depending on how active leaders are.



For players who are interested in accelerating their progression, some turn to in-game resources or currency. While it’s usually best to earn things through gameplay, some might buy AoC gold from a trusted site like U4N to support their efforts or fund leadership projects without grinding excessively. This can help in upgrading buildings or investing in node development.



Tips for Aspiring Leaders



Focus on One Path at a Time: Trying to achieve multiple leadership titles simultaneously can be overwhelming. Choose a role that matches your playstyle.



Engage with the Community: Leaders succeed by collaborating with other players, organizing events, and communicating plans.



Stay Informed: Keep track of node progression, available buildings, and upcoming seasonal changes. Understanding the settlement’s mechanics helps you make strategic decisions.



Balance Responsibility and Fun: Leadership roles carry obligations, but AoC is a game. Avoid burning out by pacing your involvement and delegating when possible.

Settlement leadership in Ashes of Creation is a layered system designed to give multiple players meaningful influence over a node. From Mayors to temple leaders and social organizers, each position has unique duties and privileges, contributing to the overall growth and vibrancy of the settlement. By understanding how these roles work in practice, players can navigate the political landscape effectively, find a role that fits their playstyle, and make a real impact on their community.