Domains: Forge, Order, War
Attributes: Engineering, Specialist
Cities: Palatinus (47.14), Capitolinus (45.13), Northeast Map


Description
The Mons Imperium, despite its name is not an Empire. Rather it is a Constitutional Monarchy that arose around the federation of several dwarven clans about six hundred years ago. The new order that asserted itself was billed as "populares, optimates and consuls". A Popular Assembly that passed legislation, a House of Elders that ratified their decisions and an executive that wielded veto powers as well as the power of decree.

To be a member of the Popular Assembly, one needs to be elected as a Tribune by your peers. Then they go to the Forum Populares to debate and pass legislation. Thus the Assembly speaks with the voices of the people.

To become a member of the Optimates is quite a bit harder. Those individuals who have made sterling contributions to Dwarven Society are elevated as Optimates, exemplars of their profession. They are required to have sterling reputations, impeccable character and a notable list of achievements. Many strive to become Optimates but it requires both a nomination from the sitting Optimates and the Consul before their seat can be ratified by the Popular Assembly. Due to this, the number of Optimates at any one time is small. Many are war heroes, master builders, statesmen and the occasional politician that is good at their game.

The Consul is entrusted with sole executive authority which can become absolute during times of crisis. They are able to pass decrees (which can be vetoed by a two-thirds majority of both Populares and Optimates) and themselves hold veto powers over legislation. When a threat looms that requires the undivided attention of the Imperium, the two houses can vote their Consul emergency powers for the duration of the crisis (insert "I love democracy" quote here).

The Consulship is not hereditary. Rather each Consul chooses an heir, someone they feel worthy of the office. From the earliest days of the Imperium, it was seen as befitting that Consuls overlook their own family and kin as Heir unless that person is undoubtedly the best person for the job. Upon assuming office, the Consul nominates an Heir during the Conclave. It is one of the most sacred of rituals of the Dwarven nation. The consecration of the Consul to the gods and the ratification of their choice of Heir before the gathered Populares and Optimates. Every so often, the Consul can call another Conclave if they wish to change the status of their successor. Every change similarly requires ratification. A simple majority of each house will do.

As a people, the dwarves of the Mons Imperium live lives under a meritocratic system that encourages self-actualization and mastery. The common saying is that "a dwarf will find their place as water finds its own level". Each dwarven child is educated in public schools before they choose to pursue a profession in their teenage years. They are encouraged to hone a craft, a skill or an art, to master it until their peers acknowledge their abilities. This societal pressure is often stressful but dwarven society at large holds little scorn for those that occupy lower rungs in the hierarchy. Not everyone is gifted, talented or driven; as long as they work honestly every dwarf is worthy of respect.

The Mons Imperium has a very strong sense of civic duty present in its citizens. Most are proud to be law abiding and productive members of society. They acknowledge that the needs of the many can (but not always does) outweigh the needs of the individual. This is reflected in their organizational capability. Every member of society holds rank in a profession that is reflective of their relative status in society at large. Their military is less a collection of warriors and more a unit of soldiers. Under brave leadership, the armies of the Mons Imperium strike as one. Each soldier knowing their place in the battle and each knowing their duty.

The Dwarven skill at metalwork is abundantly apparent in the Mons Imperium. Smiths are well regarded by their peers for the tools they forge are necessary in both peace and war. Master builders, the Dwarves build stout outposts and develop their cities to ensure a certain living standard is met for everyone. Many dwarves have a fine weapon, a stout shield and a lovingly maintained suit of chainmail at home in the case of a call to arms. The proper military itself lacks for little in way of equipment. As smiths, builders and forgers, many have tried to enslave them.

So far none have succeeded.

This is not to say that the dwarven character is necessarily staid and dour. Many dwarves find joy in their work; after all they had chosen to pursue this path from a young age. The arts flourish in their cities even if many other races poorly appreciate them. Dwarven humor is black as pitch; often sarcastic and full of schadenfreude. Dwarven poetry bores many to tears. To whit the greatest Dwarven Epic, "the Canticle of the Sun", is 384 stanzas praising the luster of gold. Dwarves can spend hours appreciating the fine cut of gem or the artistry of a sculpture. Many of the jollier races are warned not to read dwarven novels due to the likelihood of inducing suicidal tendencies.

But when they party, they really party. Revels and festivals are when they let their hair down and enjoy themselves to the fullest. Good food, good liquor and good entertainment are all they really need to be happy.

Though skilled at the art of war, the dwarves see it as a dirty necessity more than anything. They prefer building to breaking and rather have peace than war. They are more than happy to enter into mutually beneficial pacts with others but tend to be wary when they perceive that they are being made use of.


High Consul Aurelian
Still young as Consuls go, Aurelian is less than ten years in the job. A former general, his focus has been on peaceful expansion and the acquirement of resources to maintain the lifestyle of his people. Under his watch, the occupation of "farmer" had become more commonplace as he expanded out from their usual mountain haunts. This brought more grain, meat and dairy to their dining tables. He is a level-headed but direct problem solver. This was not a problem when his tasks were "kill those bandits" or "fortify that fortress". Less so now that he is in charge of the whole shebang. Aurelian does not desire greatness, his main preoccupation is the liberty, prosperity and felicity of his people. In that order.

Physically Aurelian is not much to look at. Years in the military has left him well muscled but likewise that life has left beauty pageants beyond him. He dresses in simple, comfortable clothes and only wears his formal attire to meet visiting dignitaries. Like much of his people, Aurelian believes in getting things done and not looking pretty.