The United Dwarven Clandom

The United Dwarven Clandom, established in 58 C.T. by Halfar when he was still but a mortal, is the ruling nation of the Absayris Desert and parts of the Hammershard Mountains. At present, it consists of 14 official clans, each with their own roles in Dwarven society. Together, the clans work to protect Dwarven traditions and values, even as thees goals occasionally bring the clans into conflict with each other. Each clan is important, and is represented when decisions regarding the nation are to be made. Ultimately, however, Clan Rakkai has the most power of any clan, for it is they who are designated the leaders. When the heads of the clans, the Clandom Council, come together to vote on measures, Clan Rakkai's leader, the Dwarven king or queen, has a vote equivelent in strength to five clans. These votes are usually done in secret, and not even the Clandom Council knows who votes for what. The votes are counted and secretly recorded by the Hlakeer Kasaan, a small group of clanless dwarves. The Hlakeer Kasaan is comprised of five anonymous dwarves. None of them know the identity of any other, and no one outside of the Hlakeer Kassan is to know that they are clanless. When there is a vote, each member of the Clandom Council submits their votes three times. Each copy goes to a differerent member of the Hlakeer Kasaan, decided randomly by a machine of Halfar's own construction. The three chosen members then tally the votes twice, and give them back to the machine. A copy of both goes to the remaining two dwarves. If both agree on the count, communicated through the machine, the vote is approved. If they disagree, the whole process is started again. When a new member must be inducted into the Hlakeer Kasaan, an Oggenheim Clan member is directed to the replacement by means of divine revelation, only to have their memory wiped of the identity. This helps to protect the anonymity of the Hlakeer Kasaan and is a way for Halfar to continue directly exert influence on the Clandom. Not every dwarven matter requires a vote, however. Matters that require a vote fall into one of three categories: dealing with foriegn powers, contesting a Rakkai ruling, or creating a new clan. Almost all other matters can be decided by either the associated clan or Clan Rakkai. When these matters require a vote, all of the Clandom Council must be present. New clans came about somewhat frequently in the early years of the Clandom, but it petered off fairly quickly. Contesting Rakkai rulings is far more common. Any time that Clan Rakkai imposes a law or passes judgement for a crime, any clan can contest the ruling, which will be upheld or removed by a vote. While the Clandom does rule over some who are not dwarves, only dwarves are allowed to lead the Clandom. Those of other races might be able to work with the clans, or in exceptionally rare cases, be inducted into them, but they are completely barred from holding positions of power.