Gnimmellar

Home of the Gnomes, and the land that gave rise to the Gnimellar Empire. The empire launched a war of aggression on flimsy pretexts, then proceeded to dominate the Halfling lands, large swaths of Human territory, and half of Dagalfheim before they were driven back by the Whitesaber Concordat. Modern day Gnimellar is recovering from the destruction wrought by the war and its aftermath, and many Gnomes feel a cultural responsibility never to let their nation sink so low into violence and authoritarianism again. However, there are certain recidivist factions in the Gnimmellar underground that seek a return to empire. International attitudes toward the Gnomes generally follow the dictum "trust but verify." Gnomes are prohibited from studying arcane magic. Gnomes who come to magic by bloodline are required to register with the state and are subject to monitoring. For this reason many Gnomes who find themselves with sorcerous powers either keep it to themselves as a shameful secret, find a reason to travel abroad (and stay there), or else go underground. Rogue sorcerors are punished by having their tongues removed. Warlocks are put to death. These laws (collectively known as The Forbiddance), while draconian, were part of the price of peace. Perhaps understandably, recidivist groups commonly demand the lifting of the Forbiddance. In the absence of legal arcane magic, the Gnomes have made strong inroads with technology and have developed many steam-powered wonders.

System of government, pre-war: Hereditary emperor, in whom vests all legislative and executive power. Council of ministers serves at the emperor's pleasure and direct various areas of policy, except for that of the military who answers to the emperor alone.

System of government, post-war: Constitutional Republic, head of state largely ceremonial. Prime minister leads the legislative branch. The old ministerial system is mostly still in place but now the ministers are "secretaries" chosen from the ranks of the party in power. Party representatives are elected via popular vote.

Military: Post-war, none. The Gnimmelar Empire's militaries were disbanded as part of the treaty that ended hostilities. They are allowed to have a standing constabulary, but this answers to Allied commanders still stationed in Gnimmelar. Recidivist elements count this as another in a long line of humiliations for which a reckoning will come.

Pre-war, the Gnimmish strategy focused on overwhelming magical might, with soldiers providing time and cover for the mages to work their devastating spells. The Gnomes didn't generally bother with a navy, preferring their network of fortified teleportation circles for the movement of troops and materiel.