Overview

The High Dwarvish Code serves as the foundation of law in every Dwarven citadel. According to this code, power is shared among three clans, each represented by three members. Consequently, each citadel is governed by a high council of nine Dwarves, who often delegate administrative duties to others. This arrangement creates a complex bureaucracy that ultimately reports back to the original nine. Any Dwarven clan seeking to usurp another's leadership position must undergo a test of merit, consisting of both physical and mental challenges administered by the clans not involved in the challenge. Although the realities of this process can be cumbersome, every effort is made to adhere to the High Dwarvish Code. Every Dwarven citadel is unique, but Dwarvish adherence to tradition and the High Dwarvish Code means they are more similar than different. 

Government Operation

All Dwarvish citadels operate in a very similar manner, especially in the homeland of the Dwarves. The High Dwarvish Code is strictly followed by the Dwarves of Stone Home, where it was originally written, and the original copy of the High Dwarvish Code is also kept there. According to this code, both Stone Home and Torrox are governed by a council of nine dwarves, evenly split among three different clans. In Felder's two deep Dwarven citadels, there is no intermediary between the council and the citizens. The inhabitants of the citadel have the right to approach the council directly and express their opinions. The High Dwarvish Code explicitly outlines this relationship between councilors and citizens, meaning that any citadel with an intermediary between the people and the council technically deviates from the code.

High Council: In Torrox and Stone Home, the only true position of power is a high councilor. While they may give authority to others to help run the citadel, this power can be revoked at a moment's notice. 

Military

The High Council of the Dwarf Lands of Felder appoints a Master of Arms to lead the military forces of the citadels. Both citadels maintain standing armies due to the aggressive and belligerent nature of Felder's inhabitants. The Master of Arms is appointed by the council. While they do not possess governing power, they hold significant military authority over a citadel. Removing a Master of Arms is not easy; it requires either a popular vote from the citizens of the citadel or a unanimous decision by the council. The process for appointing a Master of Arms is outlined in The High Dwarvish Code. However, it is noted that this position is not a necessary addition. This leads to citadels with other ways of managing their military.

Master of Arms: The appointed leader of a Felderian Dwarven citadel's military. They have near-complete control over the military, and they are responsible for equipping, paying, and organizing the soldiers. 

Citadel Guardians: The soldiers of a dwarven citadel in Felder are decently paid, and very well trained and equipped. They are well-trained in subterranean fighting and defensive tactics.