Republic of Aldesta

Description
The Republic of Aldesta extends throughout the southern and western reaches of Aldesta. Settlements are sprinkled throughout the canyons and along the coastlines.

Travel
The difficult terrain makes standard travel methods unreliable. You'll often see wealthier gnomes traveling between settlements by fireflights. Mining railways, gnome-made tunnels, and rope bridges help others navigate throughout the canyons between settlements.

Government
This civilization has long been governed by a Republic. Entrusted representatives of various qualifications decide upon and enact the laws. In recent years, the representatives have been designing and experimenting with democracy. Pressure from the gnome collective for more progressive ruling structures is mounting. This is mostly in response to the growing popularity of the Philosopher and his teachings.