The Post-Calamity Finats (Pronounced Fi-Nat; City-states, though more accurately petty-states) can be categorized into three types. The Oligarchy, Archaic Republic, and Princely Republic.

Though one must first contend with the developments after the Great Collapse of the Old Empire. The protectorate had been destroyed by the combined chaos caused by the wold-splitting Calamity and the rebellion of the elites, who had grown to be dissatisfied with the defacto hereditary dynasty ruling from Noctea. The alderman from the various Finats, in the aftermath of the rebellion agreed to a return to the Golden Rule between the different independent polities of the land, which the Protectorate had broken with their meddling in local affairs. The Finats all agreed to not interfere unless asked to in other's political affairs, to unite and defend against outside invaders, and to never let a tyrant, indigenous or otherwise, to take root again. This brotherhood reinforces the trust not only between the different Finats but within them as well. And thus the petty-states had returned to a similar system before the subjugation of the different clans by the Old Hololive Empire.

The system of the various Finats had obviously adapted to many factors that have changed after more than a century of Imperial rule such as the advancement of technology, mostly in agriculture (ironically brought in by the Imperials). More cities and towns had developed. And trade flourished as the people expanded from West to east, colonizing more land. River Raika and its navigable tributaries became the economic lifeline of the various Finats, a situation that continued to this day for the provinces of the Republic. As the population increases and trade routes emerge, the number of cities grew. The rich and powerful clan leaders became their own social class, know as the Tsbyuzers (Pronounced Ssb-Yu-ser). Though, unlike the nobles down south, their position is non-hereditary (much less a segregated and regulated class). Tsbyuzers are better thought of as a cohort of elites that join together to manage the cities, and later the Finats. Influential landowners, old lineages of Magi and martial households can all become Tsbyuzers. Although their rise as a distinct group that are politically above the common people is intrinsically linked to the trade between different settlements and with the outside world.

Oligarchies are solely controlled Tsbyuzers. Oligarchies are common, especially in the East, where the population is much smaller. These Finats form Fupis (Pronounced Few-pii), committees or assemblies that meet regularly to discuss matters. Usually the Fupis would not exceed 50 members. Though one should also note that all general assemblies of officeholders in Finats are called a Fupi.

Archaic Republics are often described as democracies, though many modern scholars have tried to contest this idea. But whether you agree that their system is simply just pre-modern pluralist oligarchy or the seedling of the modern democratic state or not, Archaic Republics have enfranchised considerably more people compared to oligarchies. Their Fupi are made up of any citizen that holds office, and anyone that has the right to vote. While the voting people can voice their opinions freely, the office holders, who are in almost always Tsbyuzers, or common Hyljars (Pronounced Hil-r-Har) with connections. In these Republics, only the Hyljar, cityfolks can vote or enjoy the right to office. Vinyajar (Pronounced Vil-Nya-Har), the rural farmers technically do not have the right to vote, even if they are landowners. But it is also at this point we run into the trouble of generalization. Before the Founding, there were around 260 different Finats, of which there are 40 are categorised as Archaic Republics. They are more often than not, trade powers. As such, most are either set up near the coast or along the various navigable rivers, with a larger population. These Republics, while having an obvious effect on each other's institution, are still spread out over a large area and thus differing circumstances. Since written law codes are still rare before the founding (some scholars have suggested that it might have been intentional), from first-hand accounts we know that the system between different Republics can be vastly different. So, it is more fruitful to discuss the common traits ,and of specific cases rather than casting too wide a net and risk mischaracterization.

These proto-democracies are often trade-centric cities, hosting a larger population and also more land. Farmers, and thus land owners have much less power compared to the smaller Finats that are often oligarchic. Although they still seek to have some sort of protection for their interests, aside from the Vow that Poljaris (Pronounced Po-l-yer-ii) takes after being elected. These landowners would either send representatives or ask for friends in the city to voice their concerns. And for Finats that do allow them to vote, they endeavor to attend the voting assemblies whenever it is possible. Some Vinyajar straddle the line between the rural-urban divide, due to their proximity to the city. These Vinyajar have deep connections in the city, and also hold more influence than faraway small farms. Take Noctea's Vinyajar as example, although they cannot vote, they nevertheless speak during public assemblies. In other Republics, Vinyajar near the city are still recognized as Hyljars, and thus have a right to vote. Even if the political stature does not allow them to participate politically, through yearly festive feasts, held on important dates such as Winter Soltice, these landowners can still voice their concerns directly to those elite Hyljar who hold office.

These feasts, with copious amounts of Vodka and beer is also one of the (in)formal ways the common people can enter the ranks of Tsbyuzers. Hyljars might technically have a right to hold office, but if they are not approved by enough members of the Fupi, he cannot run for Poljari or even other minor positions like a lay magus. The feasts also serve an ideological and political function. Through communion, they strengthen the bond and the sense of "brotherhood" between the members of the community. Halls and fields that serve as venues for celebrations are places where rank and office titles no longer matter. It is the ultimate expression of the egalitarianism of the system of Finats. Neighbouring Finats are invited, and conflicts, military, political and economic are either resolved here. The ritual of kissing the stone or wooden pillars erected either outside of halls or in the center of city squares symbolizes the equal (however symbolic) relationship, with the spirits as their witness. As political venues, these feasts are where Tsbyuzers of the Finat made their alliances and blocs. Since it was (and still is) widely believed that alcohol lets one reveal their true selves, the feasts gain a ritualistic element. It is how new people are inducted into the ranks of Tsbyuzers. The system of leagues between different Finats that drives the interaction during the twilight of the petty-states system also relies on this tradition. Disenfranchised peoples, Vinyajars and poor Hyljars alike can talk directly to the Poljari or other officials of the city, and don't have to rely on representatives like the city's military leaders or connected Hyljars.

It is also worth discussing the functioning of the Finats Republic or Oligarchic. The common Hyljars and Vinyajars all have access to education, especially training as scribes or computers for the Tsbyuzers, who own most of the industries of the city. Literacy isn't a status symbol. Magi readily teach people how to read the inscriptions on the engraved pillars so common in the city and countryside. And books, while still expensive, as the trade network between different settlements has fragmented, are accessible to anyone who has an interest. Afterall, the scribes welcome anyone who can share the burden of maintaining the archives. Soldiers are all made up of citizen-militias, with Tsbyuzer calvary accompanying them. Taxes are collected from Hyljars that run businesses and funneled back to public works. Erecting new pillars, paving roads, or improving the tools of farmers. This feature is common across almost all of the Finats. East or West, democratic or not.

Lastly, Princely Republics, while still ruled by the Fupi have princes, as their military and diplomatic leader. These Finats are most common along the coast or near the border with Hoshiyomia. Young nobles are often invited to serve as the head of state for a period of time, for around 10 years or more. However, they are still very much Republics. The Fupi, with a makeup much like the Oligarchies have the power to revoke the status of the Prince and drive him out. And the princes need to follow a strict contract between them and the Fupi, which the latter signed on behalf of the people. Hyljars and Vinyajar also enjoy more representation from the Tsbyuzers compared to the oligarchies.

Thus, the Finats are the only three types of polity, alongside independent communes and roving pastoral clans that constitute organized societies after the collapse of the Hololive Empire. During the last two centuries of the age of Finats, however, multiple non-petty-states and leagues would develop along the Raika between the late 4th and 5th centuries. Most notable of which are the Nyotean League and the State of Svadoha. The latter, also known as the "City of Settlers" would later evolve into the modern Owl Republic. This period of struggle between states only ended due to the outbreak of the massive schizo invasion.