Throal
In many ways, the Kingdom of Throal is the economic and political heart of Barsaive. Located beneath the Throal Mountains in central Barsaive, The dwarf kingdom’s influence extends back to before the Scourge, when the dwarfs acted as provincial administrators for the Theran Empire. As the Scourge approached, and the Therans retreated to their island homeland, it fell to the dwarfs of Throal to do what they could to prepare Barsaive for the Scourge. The distribution of the Book of Tomorrow made the dwarf language the de facto common tongue of Barsaive. Dwarven philosophers and scholars developed the ideas that led to the rejection of slavery, and set
the province on the path of throwing off the Theran yoke. Many adventurers are sponsored by the Kingdom, and the reach and influence of the Throalic merchant houses is unparalleled.
The Kingdom is made of several distinct areas. Just inside the massive gates is the Grand Bazaar, the largest market in Barsaive. Goods and services from the everyday to the exotic can be found here, from smiths and soothsayers to tailors and troubadours. Mundane or magical, the odds are good if you can’t find what you’re looking for in the Grand Bazaar you aren’t looking hard enough.
Beyond the Bazaar are the Halls of Throal, the tunnels that made up the original kaer for the dwarf kingdom. Twisting and turning into the depths of the mountains, the poorer sections are closest to the Grand Bazaar while the wealthier estates are found deeper in.
At the far end of the Halls is the Inner Kingdom, where the Great Library, the Grand Auditorium, and Royal Chambers are located.
After the Scourge, King Varulus III commissioned the construction of the Inner Cities, built into deep mountain caverns. While the Halls of Throal are largely inhabited by dwarfs, the inner cities are home to the majority of the other Namegiver races in Throal. Nine cities were planned, and seven of them completed construction before the death of Varulus III and the Second Theran War. The two incomplete cities (Raithabal and Thurdane) have started to become a concern, as they have become a hangout and hideaway for gangs, smugglers, and those looking to evade or escape notice.
Throal’s current ruler is Kovar I. At the tail end of the Second Theran War King Neden, the prior ruler, was killed without an heir. The tensions between the different noble houses grew considerably more strained, and it was only through the dedicated efforts to keep the peace that civil war was averted. Kovar was the compromise candidate, hailing from a minor—but still noble—house, his rule so far has been unremarkable. Some observers feel that he is clearly struggling to get comfortable on the throne, and that his inexperience is helping the more conservative “old guard” houses to gain more influence in Throal’s policies and practices.
The end result is that in many ways, Throal has withdrawn from wider involvement in Barsaive’s affairs. While merchant caravans and trade envoys still travel the land, the war cost the lives of many Throalic soldiers, and patrols are less frequent and closer to home. At a time when the people of Barsaive could most use a guiding vision and clear direction, the dwarfs of Throal are not providing it.
The Kingdom is made of several distinct areas. Just inside the massive gates is the Grand Bazaar, the largest market in Barsaive. Goods and services from the everyday to the exotic can be found here, from smiths and soothsayers to tailors and troubadours. Mundane or magical, the odds are good if you can’t find what you’re looking for in the Grand Bazaar you aren’t looking hard enough.
Beyond the Bazaar are the Halls of Throal, the tunnels that made up the original kaer for the dwarf kingdom. Twisting and turning into the depths of the mountains, the poorer sections are closest to the Grand Bazaar while the wealthier estates are found deeper in.
At the far end of the Halls is the Inner Kingdom, where the Great Library, the Grand Auditorium, and Royal Chambers are located.
After the Scourge, King Varulus III commissioned the construction of the Inner Cities, built into deep mountain caverns. While the Halls of Throal are largely inhabited by dwarfs, the inner cities are home to the majority of the other Namegiver races in Throal. Nine cities were planned, and seven of them completed construction before the death of Varulus III and the Second Theran War. The two incomplete cities (Raithabal and Thurdane) have started to become a concern, as they have become a hangout and hideaway for gangs, smugglers, and those looking to evade or escape notice.
Throal’s current ruler is Kovar I. At the tail end of the Second Theran War King Neden, the prior ruler, was killed without an heir. The tensions between the different noble houses grew considerably more strained, and it was only through the dedicated efforts to keep the peace that civil war was averted. Kovar was the compromise candidate, hailing from a minor—but still noble—house, his rule so far has been unremarkable. Some observers feel that he is clearly struggling to get comfortable on the throne, and that his inexperience is helping the more conservative “old guard” houses to gain more influence in Throal’s policies and practices.
The end result is that in many ways, Throal has withdrawn from wider involvement in Barsaive’s affairs. While merchant caravans and trade envoys still travel the land, the war cost the lives of many Throalic soldiers, and patrols are less frequent and closer to home. At a time when the people of Barsaive could most use a guiding vision and clear direction, the dwarfs of Throal are not providing it.
Climate
Underground
Alternative Name(s)
Kingdom of Throal
Type
Capital
Inhabitant Demonym
Throalites
Location under
Included Locations
Owner/Ruler
Comments