by Gerrin

Capital: Kedaltol
Population: 470,000 (Hartdar 94%, Human 3%, Gnome 1%, Other 2%)
Government: Republic
Religions: major – Reorx (Reorx), minor – Ki Ulit (Kiri-Jolith), Tonol (Mishakal), Slinoter (Shinare).
Languages: Common, Dwarven
Trade: Mercenaries, Gems, Steel, Metal Goods, Marble
Legions: Ice Legion, First through Fourth Legion.
Alignment: LG, NG, LN, N

The republic of Kedaltol (Kehd-ahl-toel’) is a singular province that is controlled by its capital of the same name. It is primarily mountainous but does contain a few valleys where agriculture flourishes. The republic borders Vjenor and Trejor on the west, Dejor, Gulteger, Isryan on the south, Solisharon on the east, and Ogun, Sakkaras to the north. This nation is a well settled nation but it still contains a few unexplored parts. A great highway runs through the nation connecting all of its major cities.

Life and Society

Life in the republic is one of handwork, but the citizens here live in more comfortable lifestyles then others around western Adlatum. Most dwarves here have some interest in the trading markets of the world and most businesses provide services that are related to trading. The businesses of Kedaltol employ small armies to protect assets and to assist with the movement of goods throughout western Adlatum.

The military of Adlatum contained five legions that all serve directly under the High Warden. The Ice Legion was a famed and legendary force that specializes in fighting in extreme conditions. The size of each legion was 10,000 dwarves led by a High General. All citizens are required to take part in militia duties although some citizens were exempt from such service.

The legal system of Kedaltol was based on a written code of laws created by the Council of Elders and enforced through the High Warden’s courts. Magistrates traveled to local villages to administer justice, while judges held courts in the three major cities. Sheriff and town watches enforced the laws of the land and detained prisoners until the arrival of a magistrate or judge. Also under the law males and females were recognized as equals.

The office of the High Warden ruled the Republic; the warden was selected by the Council of Elders. The High Warden governed the nation with both executive and judicial powers. The legislative power lied within the Council of Elders.

Religion

There was no formal religion recognized, but most dwarves recognized Reorx and honor his memory. There were three other churches, Ki Ulit (Kiri-Jolith), Slinoter (Shinare), and Tonol (Mishakal) that had limited power in the Republic. Since the battle against Chaos, these churches had become places of learning and now specialized in training in fighting, business and healing. The Priests of the gods continued the ancient practices and hope that their teaching would someday bring back the gods.

Government

The High Warden and Council of Elders rule the government of the republic. The High Warden carries unlimited executive and judicial power. He appointed judges and magistrates to oversee the everyday judicial activities of the empire but heard any special cases. The High Warden was also in control of the five legions of the military.

The High Warden had five Wardens under him who oversaw the various parts of the government. They were the Warden of Trade, Warden of the Mines, Warden of the Legions, Warden of the Law, and the Warden of the Realm. These Wardens oversaw the day to day problems of their specific areas. The Wardens were appointed by the High Warden and served their posts until either they retired, died or the High Warden left office.

The Council of Elders was the lawmaking body of the realm. It was a 300-member body that draws its members from the six clans of the Kedaltol. Each clan was allowed a 50-member representation and council members were appointed by clan leaders to the position. This position was considered a great honor in dwarven society and council members were quite proud of their position. The council had one extremely important task and that was to appoint a new High Warden, when the old High Warden died or retired.

Military

The Kedaltol military was under the direct command of the High Warden. Handling the day to day operations of the military was the Warden of the Legions. The military consisted of five legions that were placed throughout the realm. Each legion consisted of 10,000 members and additional units that made up the Engineer’s Division, the Supply Train Co., and the Field Hospital Corp.

Guarding the capital was the famed Ice Legion who is currently under the command of Gen. Copper Ironsong and was positioned in and around the city. This group specialized in fighting on different terrains and rarely left the Republic. Its primary duty was to protect the High Warden and members of this legion took their jobs seriously.

The other four legions were spread around western Adlatum. The First and Second Legions were still located in the Republic. The First Legion had been placed in the western city of Ilberdin and was under the command of its military governor. The Second Legion was scattered throughout the realm is in charge of guarding the roadways, mines and small communities scattered throughout the Republic.

The Third and Fourth Legions are currently on loan to the Midland Guard and have been placed under their command. These two legions are comprised mainly of heavy infantry troops that are supported by human forces. The legions are currently scattered in the Midlands and are the command of Gen. Tolk Brokenaxe and Gen. Unthor Marblebranch.

Magic and Mysticism

Magic in the republic was almost unheard of and was rarely seen in public. Prior to the attack by Chaos few dwarves could use the earth magic that the Adlar dwarves possessed. Many of the dwarves that could use magic keep their talent in hiding fearing that they would be treated differently by other dwarves. Following the Days of Darkness there was no accounts of dwarven sorcery.

The dwarves had relied heavily on clerical magic in the past as they had always felt a close connection to Reorx. Even following the Drowning and God’s Departure the temples of Reorx remained a focal point for many dwarves. These temples not only encouraged the practice of worship but also were a meeting place for the workers of metal to exchange ideas. With no true dwarven clerics left, mystics have taken over most of the clerical duties in the Temple to Reorx. The other temples employ mystics to some extent but not on the same level as the Temple to Reorx does. There are also mystics who wander the land offering healing to those in need. They exchange their services for small items of need so that they can continue their journey.

Major Geographical Features and Locations

The High Gate: A pass that was the first defensive location in the Pullonas Mountains and guards the road that led to Kedaltol. It was constructed during the Canon Wars to prevent raiding parties from attacking settlements outside of the capital. The gate was a massive gate that stands 50 feet high and was a 100 feet long. It was placed in the middle of high wall, which was built in a pass and was manned by several hundred Legionnaires.

Mount Mazama: A large mountain that the dwarven capital of Kedaltol was built into. The peak of this mountain contains snow year around. The dwarven capital was built underground this mountain.

Iron Mines: These mines are the newest discovered mines south of Red Home. The mines appear to contain an abundant source of metals and gems that should keep miners busy for centuries to come.

Valley of the Lily: This valley is the primary agriculture growing area for Kedaltol, which is located near the city of Red Home. Many villages have been built throughout this large valley and much of the land is cultivated for farming.

Tomb of the Missing: This tomb was created by Ren Copperforge following the Drowning as a tribute to both the lost armies of Hammervald and to Hammervald itself. Inside are the remains of several dwarven warriors whose bodies were found but their names were unknown. Also inside are the personal effects of many of the victims of the drowning. This tomb is considered one of the most sacred sites in all of Adlatum.

The Watchtower of Tildon: This watchtower was built in the western part of the republic following the Drowning by members of the Ice Legion. The dwarves built this tower to scan the horizon for possible survivors. It was the place where the Sundarin/Kedaltol Pact was signed and has been an instrumental tool in keeping peace in the west.

Beacon of Sacrifice: The beacon was constructed on top of Frost Mountain and tribute to all who fell saving Adlatum from the dangers of Chaos. The beacon is actually a lit flame of natural gas that was leaking out of the top of the mountain. Dwarven engineers tapped the gas and now control the flame. It burns in memory and is a place of pilgrimage for travelers from all over Adlatum.

Regional History

The Republic of Kedaltol was founded in 2612 PD in the Pullonas Mountains as a safe haven for dwarves. The capital city of Kedaltol was designed to be a fortress and quickly became a large dwarven settlement. Also near the city there were numerous small mined that contained various metals and gems and miners flocked to this area beginning a brisk trade. Several other settlements sprang up all throughout the Pullonas and quickly the mountains were filled with dwarven settlers and miners.

Within a few years the dwarves of Kedaltol have grown to large for their current surroundings. Seeking a more spacious surrounding the dwarves sent explorer Nolas Copperforge to explore the area to the west. In his exploration he discovered the Nolas Mountains and their inexhaustible sources of metals and gems. His discovery caused many of the dwarven settlements to become abandoned and torn down. By 2253 PD only three fortresses, Kedaltol, Red Home, and Ilberdin, remained standing.

Much of the focus for the dwarves prior to the Canon War was on the Hammervald Empire to the west. Although Kedaltol was considered a province of the empire, little changed over the centuries as most dwarves considered the Pullanos Mountains not worth the time mining. The three cities almost disappeared as mines were continually closed do to the lack of a labor force.

When the Canon War began the dwarves living in the Pullonas Mountains found themselves in one of the key staging areas for dwarven armies. As the decades passed on many dwarves traveled from other parts of the Hammervald Empire to live in the cities found in the Pullonas Mountains. These cities grew and became key strategic areas for the dwarven armies.

The drowning changed the geography of the mountains little but yet affected the dwarves living there deeply. Many of the dwarves were cut off from their homelands and were shocked at the destruction that occurred across Adlatum. The dwarves living in the mountains were fortunate to have several key government figures living in Kedaltol. These people would reform the nation and put the name of Hammervald behind them in honor of those who had perished under the waters. In its place they chose to honor the original settlement of the Hartdar and became known as the Republic of Kedaltol.

In the years following the Drowning the citizens of the Republic of Kedaltol have had their economic successes and failures. Shortly after the drowning many of the older mines were reopened but these mines proved to be shallow and were closed quickly. It took the dwarves decades to find suitable replacement mines.

The dwarves had begun the trading festival called the Remembrance in honor of those who were killed during the Drowning. The festival quickly grew as Midland merchants traveled to the dwarven city of Kedaltol to trade for new wares. This also allowed dwarves to return home and conduct clan business.

Prior to the return of the gods, the dwarves of the republic had experienced the discovery of several new mining sites that proved to be profitable. They also met the Sundar and Nordar dwarves and were startled to learn that there were survivors. The Sundar and Hartdar signed a mutual agreement pact that would profit both sides.

After the return of the gods, the republic experienced a golden age as their goods were highly sought after all over Adlatum. The dwarves had also discovered mines containing dragonmetal and began to secretly create new weapons and armor out of the rare metal. The dwarven cities expanded and grew and several new settlements were built throughout the Pullonas Mountains.

When the forces of Chaos attacked the Midlands the republic answered the call for help. Sending their best legions to the front lines, they battled alongside humans and Sundar dwarves to turn the forces back. The Pullonas Mountains were affected little physically by the attack of Chaos but many dwarves carried the scars of that battle for years to come.

Current Events

• The Midland Guard has asked for more soldiers to help support their missions.

• Goblin tribes in the north have begun to raid settlements.

• Dwarven craftsmen are in high demand as nations all over the Midlands are still seeking their work. High Warden Calan Copperforge has decreed that all contracts for foreign jobs must be accepted through the office of the Warden of Trade.

Major Settlements

Local cities control their own government with approval of the High Warden. The largest settlement is in the southern part of the Pullonas. It is home to the Council of Elders and the Ice Legion. It was founded after the departure of the Hartdar from the Adlar dwarves.

Kedaltol (Megalopolis 121,000): The largest city and capital of the Hartdar dwarves and the gem of the Republic of the Kedaltol. It is a five level city that was the original settlement of the Hartdar following their departure from the dwarves of Heskeram. The top level of the city contained the government offices and the Palace of the Warden. The middle levels are a combination of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. The lowest level offered access to the nearby delvings and contained the city’s smelters. The Current High Warden is Calan Copperforge (LG male Hartdar noble 5/fighter 6)

Red Home (Metropolis 89,400): The second largest city of the Republic was one of the fastest growing cities. With the discovery of new mines around the city, dwarves flocked to this area seeking work. It was a city that consisted of three levels and was partially built into the Pullonas Mountains. The city was legendary for its defensive measures and was considered the most defensible location in all of Kedaltol. The government of the city was a three-member council that oversaw the military, mining and everyday affairs of the city. The current leaders are General Chane Stonekiller (LG male Hartdar fighter 11), miner Sledge Coalgate (NG male Hartdar fighter 4) and city representative Jinna Axehome (NG female Hartdar commoner 7).

Ilberdin (Large City 43,200): The westernmost city in the Pullonas Mountains and the smallest of the three fortress cities of the Kedaltol. It was located by the newly excavated iron mines of the empire and is the home of the Ilberdin’s School of Mining. The city contained two main levels and was placed on top of the peak of Blackfrost. The current governor of Ilberdin is Gen. Gran Ironstone (LG male Hartdar fighter 12)