Mideria

Mideria is a maritime merchant republic located on the eastern part of the Miderian island. It is dominated by trade and a craftsmen culture revolving around guilds.

History
The founding of Mideria came to be when two nomadic tribes, the Miderians and Aetols decided to put aside their differences and work together. Having no enemies surrounding them the nomadic tribes decided to settle in what is now called Mideria. Here the mountains protect them, the plains provide for them and the coast enables them to trade. Ever since the nomadic tribes have evolved into a full-fledged maritime trading empire.

Culture
Miderian culture is heavily influenced by trade with outside powers and this has resulted in a craftsmen culture where society is divided into classes. The military is divided in the navy and the army where the navy has the most power. Society is organized in guilds, the educated travel and create goods for trade, the less educated toil the fields, mine for raw resources or work the many shops. These labourers are the driving force behind the Miderian trade imperium. These jobs are relatively well split between the Miderian majority and Aetol minority. This is due to the fact that Miderian culture is focused heavily around hard work to achieve success. Yet these peoples are not the only ones living in the cities as many foreign traders have permanent households in there too. The population becomes more homogenous when travelling inland.

Politics
The political system of Mideria is a complex system where all guilds and the military are represented in the ruling council. Representation, however, is not entirely equal as many of the guilds, some being mere gangs, fight over influence and power. These guild representatives are in turn chosen by the guild members. There is no official limit on the amount of representatives in the council but there are plans to cap the amount to 250. Currently there are 231 council members, 62 craftsmen, 77 traders, 46 naval officers, 35 army members, 6 farmers and 5 miners. Miners and farmers make up most of the population but only have a total amount of 11 members, demonstrating the divide between rich and poor within the country.

The highest office a citizen of Mideria can hold is that of Gildern. The Gildern is elected by the council, each representative having 1 vote, and he is elected for a term of 5 years with no limit on the amount of terms. Originally the Gildern was a naval officer turned trader, showcasing the importance of both the navy and trade in Miderian society.