Dharzad

=Dharzad=

History
Ever since Khalin, god of strength and endurance, created the Dwarves over a thousand years ago, they have made their home in the mountains of Aravin. When Reigel and his traitorous elves rebelled against the gods, slaying Eraesaer in cold blood, Khalin created the Dwarves, fashioned them in his own image, and set them upon the face of Ardus to do his bidding. The Dwarves were still a young race when the wrath of the gods rent the earth, but they had already erected impregnable fortresses and fashioned weapons of unrivaled strength and quality, all of which they used to wage war against the elves. That war and its aftermath represent the birth of Dharzad, the first Iron Dwarven nation.

After Reigel’s uprising was crushed and his followers cursed to walk in shame, the Dwarves turned their attention inward. Some wandered north, forming a nation of their own in what is now Karnigan, but most returned to the mountains of Dharzad, abandoning their ancient fortresses in favor of life on the harsh plains of  the badlands They scattered all across the region, forming individual settlements and carving out a living in the barren land their god had given them --their ability to thrive on so little served as proof that they were blessed. The terrain encouraged isolationism, but, over time, the separate settlements began to grow together into one cohesive nation, banding together under a single chieftain. Vicious human tribes sprang up on its borders, but their attacks only strengthened Dharzad, which was still a nation of great warriors and craftsmen, always prepared for war.

Dharzad today is a proud nation, very self-sufficient, but not really involved in the affairs of its neighbors. Despite some past conflicts, their relationship with Raytha is improvingand their trade relations with Kinndel are  beneficial to both nations. They are also at peace with Hatar, but it is no secret that the two nations have never liked one another. And they maintain a unfreindly rivalry with Karnigan, their Dwarven brothers to the north. The southwestern border, where Dharzad and Gelgreth meet, has been a frequent point of contention, which continues to this day. Recent border skirmishes with the Gelgrethian hordes have helped push Dharzad into an alliance with Raytha.



 Geography Dharzad is dominated by the Dharzad Mountains, a dense range, rife with river canyons, natural caverns, and even a few dormant volcanoes, which runs the length of the nation from east to west. On the northern face, the foothills of these mountains level out to form icy steppes, which continue across the border into Karnigan. The central southern region is occupied by the Dharzadian desert, which resides primarily around the border with Theryst. The south-southwestern region that borders Gelgreth, The Cut, and the sea is known as the Aldergeist Valley (lit: “Old Ghost’s Valley”) and is also flat arid grassland, with sparse shrubs.

Dharzad is known for a handful of cities, with angular, highly-detailed stonework carved within the mountains themselves. The capital city, Ignus Bazuul, lies in the central region of the Dharzadian Mountains, slightly further to the east. The Dwarves apply the praenomen “Ignus” to all volcanic mountains, with Ignus Bazuul being the largest and most recognizable site. Other noteworthy examples include Ignus Kadeem, an eastern city of commerce, responsible for much of the trade with Kindell and Raytha;  and Ignus Archem, an abandoned ancient fortress, once responsible for defending the Aldergeist Valley region.

Religion
Dharzadians, whether they be Dwarves or otherwise, hold Khalin in high esteem. He is seen not only as the god who created the Dwarves, but as the one who shaped this land, these mountains, and the many mysteries therein. From Khalin, the Iron dwarves derive their endurance, resiliency, and strength; life in the mountains and barren deserts can be harsh, thus they take nothing for granted. Their capital city is within the mountain where they believe Khalin set the first Dwarves upon Ardus.

Government
Each of Dharzad’s regions is represented by a Chieftain, chosen by the people of that region. The entire nation has roughly two-dozen Chiefs in all, which form the Council. The Council elects one of their number to perform the role of High Chieftain. Historically, the High Chieftain has nearly always been the Chief of the most populous region --Bazuul, the capital. All of these positions are held for life, unless the Council recognizes a challenger, at which point a vote or combat is held in the contested region (or in the Council, if it is a challenge to the seat of High Chieftain). Challenges are somewhat common,, especially when officials are corrupt or inept.

The High Chieftain’s role is in national issues, while the council exists to advise him and bring regional issues to his attention. He manages trade routes with neighboring nations, internal taxes, foreign policy, and controls Dharzad’s standing army. It is a lot for one man to handle alone, thus many of Dharzad’s High Chieftains choose leaders/advisors to help handle these affairs. The selection of at least a Chief of Defense (to manage militaristic affairs) and a Chief of Commerce (to handle foreign trade and taxation) has become common practice. Also, there is no rule against women serving as Chieftains, but this is rare and none have ever been High Chieftain.

Culture
Dharzadian culture has remained largely unchanged for the past thousand years. Strength and hard work are the most valued traits to any Dharzadian, and honorable competition is a key facet of their society.

 In times of peace, Dharzadians enjoy tests of strength. This includes physical combat and non-lethal gladiatorial bouts as well as rugged outings into hostile territory or wilderness. One’s ability to handle one’s drink is also a much-valued trait in Dharzadian culture and they are known for their strong brews. But wartime is when a Dharzadian man (or woman) truly proves him/herself. Burial rights are a sacred practice, especially for those who fell defending the nation. It is said that the most beautiful architecture of any Dwarven city is reserved for its necropolis, where the tombs of their fallen warriors and Chieftains lie.

 For many day to day survial is the frist and foremost, the badlands are home to many deadly predators and illnesses. Unlike the gold dwares, females play and equal part in society which puts them at odds with the nothern cousins who find the idea of female rule laughable and proff that the iron dwarves are ignorant.

Groups/Societies
Khalin’s Hammer -- The Dharzadian chapter of the Order of the Red Earth who crusade in the name of Khalin. In the past, there have been attempts to integrate them into the military, but the Hammers answer only to their god. Nevertheless, they typically move with the army and have always defended the nation in times of need.

 Leaders and Figureheads High Chieftain Rhok Vhir -- The current chieftain, a venerable man who has sat upon the throne for nearly a century and continues to be well-liked and well-respected. His foreign policies have been slightly more open that past rulers, leading to improved international relations.

<p style="margin-top:0.4em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:1.5em;">Chief of Defense Ringel Khor -- A former general who was promoted to the seat of Chief of Defense. Ringel’s friendship with King Alexander Whyte of Raytha has helped forge bonds between the two nations. He is well-liked in the Council, despite never having served there.

<p style="margin-top:0.4em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:1.5em;">Chief of Commerce Lerta Niso -- One of the females elected to the council, Lerta previously served as Chief of the Kadeem region. She is well-known and respected for her shrewd business sense, while also being quite beautiful by Dwarven standards.