Kharadrell & Athelion [Worldbuilding]

[Loz]

Kharadrell Under-Stone & Athelion By-The-Sea
"Those on Journeys are held in high regard..."
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The Kingdom of Kharadrell is the vast Mountain-Home of Thraken's Folk, a hardy and exceptionally tall race of Dwarves. Their Kingdom is one of the world's many crossroads, and to that end they maintain the Deeproads.
The King: Thraken III, The Metalurgist, Keeper of the Deeproads
Government: Hereditary Monarchy with a strict Caste System. Representatives from each Caste make of the King's Council. The Castes are as follows: The Rulers, The Warriors, The Smiths, The Artisans, The Miners, The Builders, and The Chroniclers.
Population:~200,000 subjects of majority Dwarves and Humans, smaller numbers of other races that have settled in the Deeproads
Military: Unknown, assumed ~5,000-10,000 in times of peace. Many of Kharadrell's gates can be sealed. The ones that cannot may be defended by a skeleton crew of troops. Thraken's folk would only take to the open field of war in dire need, or if the Men of Athelion called for aid.
Wealth: The Wealth of Kharadrell is incalculable. The vast resources in the mountain are know only to the King and his people.

The Free Marches of Athelion is a small Kingdom of landsman and mariners lying to the east of the Mountain-Home
The King: Narlan I, The Mage (The Landsman: pejorative)
Government: Elective Monarchy. Town and City Alderman elect the Monarch to life term.
Population: ~700,000 Citizens
Military: No standing Military. Towns and cities maintain professional guardsmen that may be called to service by the King. The King is guarded by the Royal regiment, a small but elite force that also serve as guards in the Royal Capital. The Navy of Atherlion is robust however, with numerous vessels protecting the Marches' vital trade routes and coastal towns. In times of Dire need the Men of Athelion take refuge within Kharadrell and are at all times under the protection of King Thraken.
Wealth: The wealth of Athelion is modest and much relies on the Dwarves. Aside from trading Dwarven goods, Athelion has fertile fields and orchards, and rich fishing grounds off its coasts.

The relationship between the two nations is by necessity very close. Kharadrell provides an unprecedented level of protection to Athelion and in return the mariners trade the Dwarvish goods and materials across the globe. In times of peace and certainty the two Kings will meet once a year during the Summer Solstice to reaffirm their eternal Brotherhood.

 

[Loz]

The Kingdom of Kharadrell in Depth
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The Deeproads and the Culture of Thraken's Folk: The Deeproads is the name given to the thousands of miles of tunnels carved into Kharadrell. The quality of the roads can vary wildly depending on depth and use. The two main paths, know as the "crossroads" are the King's Road running North to South, and the Road of Stone running East to West. The crossroads are ornate, cavernous paths. Well lit and well populated, the crossroads seem to be an endless city with all the comforts and peoples of the world above. Non-Dwarf settlers are permitted to settle along the crossroads. Living underground however is a team effort, and those who contribute live under the King's protection. Those who do not face removal. Branching off endlessly from the Crossroads are the roads known only to Thraken's Folk. These roads lead to the highest towers and lowest dungeons of Kharadrell. Narrow passages conceal glittering caves, and mines of untold wealth. The Deepest of the Roads were hewn in ancient times. Rough and unpolished, they are strictly off limits to any without the King's permission. Many a children's tale end in warning over the foul things, pale and eyeless in the deep places of the world. To enter the Deeproads a traveler must past one of the hundreds of gates into the mountain. While not all gates will be manned at one time, there are devices to summon a King's guard in the event you stumble upon a sealed gate. With luck you'll be greeted within days. There are two kinds of gates to arrive at, those that open to the world are known as "High Gates" and those that exit Kharadrell into un-maintained tunnels, or into adjoining caverns of other nations are known as "Deep Gates." Seven "Sealed Gates" also exists in the depth of the seven deepest roads of the Kingdom. This cultural affinity to roads has led to those on journeys being held in high regard by the King and his people. To this end passage through the crossroads is a modest toll for those who look like they can afford it, and is often free for those who look like they cannot. Although many who begin a journey through the crossroads simply choose to stay, deciding that the journey was likely better than any destination.

Thraken's Folk: The Dwarves of Kharadrell are hearty and anomalously tall, often being mistaken for Humans on first glance. Their society however is open and blunt. With all Dwarves working within their caste for the betterment and maintenance of the Deeproads. While a Dwarf is born into a cast, there are opportunities for lateral social mobility. If a Dwarf of a maker class displays aptitude in another maker class they may be accepted by the elders of that group. Warrior Caste members are a strict group of birthright, and the King and his family are the only members of the Ruler Class. The Caste elect their representatives on the Council via internal referendum. Few of Thraken's choose to leave the Deeproads, but those that do are held in esteem, as what they learn abroad is expected to be returned to the Kingdom to the betterment of all.

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Thraken & The Council: King Thraken is well respected but has a pencient for obsession. He will at times barricade himself in the royal apartments for days at a time before emerging with a new breakthrough in his experiments on metals. His most recent experiments with alloys have cemented his moniker of "Metalurgist" The King's Council is made of 50 members. Seven from each caste and the King himself.

Work in progress​

 

[Loz]

The Free Marches of Athelion in Depth​

Of Mariners, Mountain Men, and Magic: The Men of Athelion crossed Kharadrell overland in the early days of the Dwarf Kingdom, before the Deeproads were open to travelers. The early Dwarves were impressed with their tenacity and surreptitiously left them supplies to complete their journey. Much to the joy of the Dwarves, these tenacious people settled on the coast to the east of the mountain. In the millennia since their arrival they have become skilled mariners and worthy tenders to the woods and fields in the fertile valley the inhabit. The Cities, towns, and villages are know for being friendly, but travelers are advised to keep their wits about them around the myriad ports that bustle with outlanders. Along the east slope of Kharadrell also lies the Mountain Watch Academy. One of the world's preeminent institutes of magical learning. While the school offers a broad magical curriculum, it is know for producing renowned Geomancers who often spend much of their studies aiding, and learning from the Dwarves of the Deeproads.

Self Governance: Although it may seem to outlanders that Athelion is a client state to Kharadrell, this is not the case. The Council of the Mountain has no influence over the governance of the fiercely independent men. Rather, the local villages, towns, and cities put forth councils of electors, who make local laws and policies throughout the year, and on the death of a monarch will elect a new King or Queen. The new Monarch reigns for life but in times of peace holds little power. Preferring to leave it in the local electorate councils instead.

The Monarch: Narlon, lord of the hardy men of Athelion is a ruler who has recently come into his own. His moniker "The Landsman" was originally and insult from his detractors that he now wears with honor. It is true he is no Sailor as the ruler of Athelion usually is, but he has revitalized the Kingdoms roads, and public works, to include the rebirth of the Mountain Watch Academy for Magic. Narlon the Mage was given to him by his supporters to move him away from the Landsman/Sailor debate.