How Mayoral Commissions Work in Ashes of Creation

What Are Mayoral Commissions?

Mayoral commissions are essentially quest-like tasks set up by the mayor of a settlement. They are distinct from the regular commissions that the system generates automatically. Instead, these commissions are selected directly by the mayor, who decides which tasks will be available to the citizens at any given time.

According to the developers, these commissions act as a strategic decision tool for the mayor. When setting commissions, a mayor considers several questions:

• What issues is the settlement currently facing?

• What challenges might arise in the near future?

• How can these commissions align with the overall strategy of the node?

• How can citizen participation help achieve these goals efficiently?

In practice, this means that mayoral commissions are not just about handing out tasks—they are about directing player activity to benefit the settlement as a whole.

How Do Mayoral Commissions Work?

From a player’s perspective, mayoral commissions function much like standard quests but are simpler and focused on a single objective. Here’s a breakdown of the main features:

1. Initiation Costs: Mayoral commissions cost gold from the settlement treasury to start. This ties the mayor’s decisions directly to the resources of the node.

2. Limited Slots: There is a finite number of commissions that can be active at one time. This means the mayor has to prioritize which tasks are most important at any given moment.

3. Daily Reset and Cooldowns: The list of available mayoral commissions resets daily. Once a commission is completed, it goes on cooldown, preventing it from being repeated immediately.

4. Progression and Availability: As a settlement grows, more commissions become available, and the types of tasks available depend on the settlement’s type, location, buildings, and predominant race. Smaller nodes will have simpler commissions, while larger nodes, such as metropolises, can initiate large-scale projects requiring hundreds or even thousands of participants.

5. Rewards: Completing mayoral commissions benefits both the settlement and the individual players. Players can earn experience, settlement reputation, settlement currency, and other rewards. The settlement itself gains commodities, temporary building or zone buffs, and mandates. For certain major tasks like War Preparations, successful completion often requires a coordinated effort from a large number of dedicated players.

6. Participation Rules: Both citizens and non-citizens can contribute to mayoral commissions, but only citizen contributions generate mandates for the settlement. This encourages players to formally join the settlement to maximize their impact.

Strategic Considerations for Mayors

From a leadership perspective, mayoral commissions are a tool to guide player activity toward strategic goals. Most mayors will consider:

• Node level: Smaller nodes won’t have access to high-participation commissions, so the rewards are scaled accordingly. Larger nodes can handle more ambitious projects.

• Citizen base: The effectiveness of a commission depends on the number of active participants. A small node with a tight-knit player base can still complete smaller but impactful commissions.

• Resource management: Each commission costs gold to initiate. Mayors have to weigh the benefits of each commission against the cost and potential impact on the treasury.

This strategic layer is part of what makes settlement leadership in Ashes of Creation engaging. Players who want to see their settlements grow and thrive need to participate consistently, and mayors need to plan carefully to use commissions efficiently.

Player Tips for Completing Mayoral Commissions

For players, participating in mayoral commissions is generally straightforward, but there are a few practical tips to keep in mind:

1. Prioritize Citizen Commissions: Only citizen contributions generate mandates, so joining the settlement officially can maximize your rewards and influence.

2. Focus on Timing: Commissions have cooldowns and daily resets. Planning your participation around these schedules helps maximize your efficiency.

3. Coordinate with Others: Large commissions, especially those for war preparations or node-wide projects, require coordination. Joining guilds or groups within the settlement will make completing these tasks easier.

4. Track Node Growth: As the settlement progresses, more commissions will unlock. Keep an eye on new opportunities to earn rewards and strengthen your settlement.

For players who want to optimize their in-game resources for commissions, some may consider supplementing their gold or resources through in-game purchases. For example, you can buy Ashes of Creation gold from U4N to help ensure you have the resources needed for active participation. However, most players can complete commissions efficiently through regular gameplay without needing to spend extra.

Mayoral commissions are a core part of the settlement experience in Ashes of Creation. They provide a bridge between player activity and the strategic direction set by the mayor. By understanding how these commissions work, players can contribute more effectively, and mayors can plan more strategically. The system encourages participation, coordination, and long-term planning, making settlements feel alive and dynamic.

For both new and experienced players, paying attention to mayoral commissions is essential for maximizing rewards, gaining settlement reputation, and contributing meaningfully to the growth of the node.