Republic of Irena

The Republic of Irena, alternatively the Irenic Republic, is a city-state in central High Rock. Atypical for its republican government, Irena is one of the wealthiest cities in the Empire; a hub of trade and banking.

Government
Whereas the other polities of High Rock (and indeed the Empire beyond) are almost exclusively ruled by hereditary monarchies, the city-state of Irena is governed by a republican constitution.

Lesser Council
The Lesser Council, sometimes referred to as the Council of Nine, is composed of nine individuals elected by the citizenry of Irena for a three year term. The nine districts of the city elect one individual (who must, according to the city's constitution, reside in that district) to sit on the council.

To be eligible for election to the Lesser Council, one must be: The Lesser Council proposes legislation and appoints government officials (such as the chancellor and treasurer). Its activities are scrutinised and ultimately approved or rejected by the republic's Greater Council.
 * A citizen of the Republic of Irena.
 * At least 30 years old.
 * Free from debt.
 * Affiliated with one of the city's guilds.

Greater Council
Unlike the Lesser Council, whose members stand for election, the forty-one members of the Greater Council are drawn by lot from among the adult citizenry every three months. If drawn, a citizen cannot refuse their conciliar responsibilities; the republic provides a modest stipend to councillors to compensate loss of income.

The Greater Council convenes to debate and scrutinise the activities of the executive Lesser Council. Legislation and appointments proposed by the Lesser Council require two-thirds of the Greater Council's assent before being ratified.

Imperial Relations
Before the dawn of the Third Era, lordship over the city of Irena was contested by the plethora of petty kings and nobles in the region; the republic passed between countless hegemonies and suzerainties. Following the conquest of the province by the Septim Empire, the republic proclaimed that it would have no lord but the emperor himself. Payment of 600,000 septims to Emperor Uriel Septim I in 3E 58 guaranteed the city's privileged status of imperial immediacy.

The republic's mercantilism and central location has made the city a nucleus of imperial influence; the emperor's representatives in the region (including Provincial Governors) often make Irena their headquarters. Imperial favour (in addition to its capability in affording and sustaining large mercenary forces) has ensured the republic's enduring sovereignty against the hostility and covetousness of its neighbours.

Guilds
Guilds are the cornerstone of Irena's society and government. The guilds of Irena are multifarious, enveloping all trades and professions from shoemaking to magic. Since time immemorial, the city's guilds have exercised a monopoly over their respective industry, such that it is practicably impossible to slaughter a pig without belonging to the Guild of Butchers.

The guilds maintain standards of quality for the goods or services provided by their members, enforcing strict regulations in practices and the training of apprentices. Prices are furthermore regulated by the guilds. In addition to the monopolisation of trade, guilds also provide an integral role in the welfare of their members and members' dependants. Guild courts may investigate reports of poor working conditions and other violations, issuing fines or even expulsions to malefactors.

The influence of the guilds is reflected in the republic's constitution; one must be affiliated with a guild to stand for election to the Lesser Council.