The Dwarven Republic is lead by the Senate from the capital Ben Garom (translated: Big Mountain City), at the foot of The Distant Bluff. Since it's founding in the year of 823 it had elected 7 dictators.
The Republic is the biggest country on Arath. To the north it borders the land of the Orcish Diarchy, to the west it borders the Shadow Lands, while the east is right up to the sea. The biggest border it shares with the Thanate Empire in the south.
History
Before the Republic the lands were split between many dwarven kingdoms of various sizes. The biggest and most powerful was the Ben Garam (translated: Big Mountain Clan). It was the Garam's who founded the Republic and subjugated the other clans and kingdoms, this period is now known as the 100 year war.
Politics
The Republic is lead by the Senate. Each grand City has the right to send one representative. While smaller settlements are bound together to represent the same amount of people. Every senator is expected to arrive in Ben Garom one month after his election and is barred from any trade or business transactions for the time of his office. There are numerous public assemblies in Ben Garom, which decided whether or not to accept or decline a law, brought forward by the Senate.
Senate
The Senate has approximately 1500 seats and is lead by to Consuls. 1000 of which are for the representatives of each city or province. The other 500 seats are for the elder and experienced dwarves. Most of these age around 120-150 years of age and have accomplished great feats. This is why almost all Consuls and Dictators have a permanent seat in the senate. This is a very elite group, as only they can elect a new member for a permanent seat. This can be vetoed by the Senator of the Plebes.
Consul
A Consul is always elected in pair, one visionary and one preserver. The office is held for 10 years, while each consul only rules 5. They swap power every year and have the constant right to veto the decision of the other.
In the last year both Consuls have to prepare the election of the other ones office. After being in this office, one is barred to hold any other official office, other than to be Senator or General.
Dictatorship
In times of dire need the senate, as well as the public assembly can elect a Dictator from the two Consuls. If neither one wants to accept this office, a member of the Senate must be chosen. This office usually is held for a maximum of 5 years. Every Dictator then joined the temple, donating his riches to it and joining the priesthood.
Until now every dictator stepped back and handed over his power at the end of his term.
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Senator of the Plebes
The Senator of the Plebes is a random citizen of Ben Garom. Anyone who lives in the streets or the slums is chosen at random by a priestess of Moradin. This person is elected Senator of the Plebes for a live time. As this person now must not do any trade the temple takes care of his expenses. This usually results in the newly chosen Plebian to join the temple and become a priest of Moradin.
General
As every nation so too have the dwarves need of Generals. They are elected from the clans of old, as they are trained and educated in the art of war from a very young age. In times of peace there are 5 elected Generals each leading their respected clan members. These 5 Generals are situated on at each border with the eldest securing the capital. Once elected a general is elected for live time.
In times of war, the other clans can be called upon. The other clans are lead by their clan leaders and must follow the orders by the 5.
Public Assembly
The Public Assembly is a almost holy duty for every dwarve. It is expected that every dwarve joins an assembly every 50 years. Once in his youth, once in his primes and once as an elder. These Assemblies are only held in Ben Garom and are scheduled by the Senate, mostly on short notice. This makes attending one very difficult as one could wait months until one is called.
This is why most of the pilgrims either serve as caravan guards or they who can bring their trade with them.
