Orzhance (Er-Zhance)
Structure
Orzhance is run under the structure of a large guild, comprised of labourers and merchants. The Guild, Orzhance's governance institution, is currently headed by Hjoldal Brunhihaln, who was been in charge of the Guild for many decades now. Whilst the Guild itself is the largest ruling organisation, smaller guilds have been set up to represent the interests of each individual labour class as well.
In exchange with guild membership paid bi-monthly, the citizens of Orzhance gain a variety of benefits including wage guarentees, better living conditions, free healthcare, electoral power etc., and the rest of the money is used to maintain the infrastructure of the province. The majority of the urzhan population are members of the Guild, however, it is possible to live in Orzhance without memberhip.
Culture
Orzhance is made up of mostly large cities and mining towns, with few countryside settlements due to the large mountain ranges running across the province. A few underground settlements still exist, however, many fell into disarray after the War of Provinces in 671 EP, as the invading territories found easy ways to siege and starve the inhabitants out. This means that Orzhance ha a prominent mining and labouring culture.
The Guild has promoted a sense of community and competition in the inhabitants of Orzhance. Due to its collaborate nature, the urzhan tend to have strong familial and friendship bonds. However, many feel compelled into self-serving acts in order to promote themselves over other guild members in order to gain the most benefits from the system.
There is a large inn culture in Orzhance, and many are able to make a good living from running and manning the many inns and pubs lining the streets of the urzhan towns and cities.
History
Little is known about the first settlement of dwarves in Orzhance as they kept no physical records, however, the first record of interaction between Prosean explorers and the urzhan is recorded in 486 EP, and thus this is given as the official date of founding for Orzhance.
Orzhance's involved in the War of Provinces in 666 EP was necessitated by the invading Ovaleon forces. Despite initially suffering many losses and casualties, the urzhan were able to regain their territories and defend themselves from the invaders.
Demography and Population
The majority of the urzhan population lives in the large cities and towns in the mountainous and flat regions of the province.
The population consists of mostly dwarves, however some humans, elves, and halflings have emigrated into Orzhance. These groups are almost always Guild members and provide valuable skills.
Agriculture & Industry
Orzhance is an industrial powerhouse, containing the largest number of mines in the Eastern continent. The majority of workers are employed as miners, crafters, manufacturers, and technicians, as well as a prosperous merchant class who deal with Orzhance's imports and exports.
Orzhance has very little agriculture, due to the infertile lands. There is a small hunting culture, as meats are the main dietry source for most of the population. Grains and produce are imported from Brelind.
