Kardath
The Center of Culture
Kardath is a country stuck between three kingdoms who deeply despise one another: The human countries of Marasen and Belstrad and the elvish realm of Astrithyr. It is a huge cultural hub and tourist destination, the culture being a unique but harmonious blend of human and elvish.
Tempestuous Borders
Kardath was once a part of the Marasen Empire but it won its freedom a little less than 500 years ago. There had always been a cultural divide between them and the Empire- a lasting effect of the area being annexed against it's will long ago and refusing to assimilate. They named themselves Kardath after the name of this territory before Marasen staked it's claim long ago. Winning their freedom was a great feat, and they were only able to do so because a large number of it's citizens had begun secretly learning and practicing magic with help of Elvish immigrants, which was of course against empire law. They also, according to some, had assistance from a silver dragon which is why a silver dragon graces their national flag. Today it boasts the highest number of half-elves in E’ahna per capita and the culture is blooming into something else entirely. Many of its citizens are still skilled spellcasters (some elvish wizards were alive back during the civil war after all) and many are sorcerers who fled Belstrad. Unsurprisingly, its border with Belstrad is extremely well guarded as Belstradians are known for their zero magic tolerance policies. Marasen is more lax on this than it once was but there are still a great number of bureaucratic hoops one must jump through to cross back and forth along the main roads. Kardath is also home to a sizable not-that-well-hidden black market for magical items and spell scrolls- if one can manage get their prize out of the country anyhow. Getting into Kardath is much easier than getting out on the main roads.Center for the Arts
Kardath is a large hub this side of the continent for trade between the three rival nations and is where most diplomatic meetings between them also take place. It is where many of Namiza's luxury goods are imported to placate the wealthy who live or vacation here (and there are many). It is the entertainment capital of possibly the world. The architecture is a gorgeous melding of human and elvish- Elvish skill meeting human ingenuity has resulted in an artistic haven and some refer to it as the Homeland of the Bards. There is a large arts college here (The Yersek Academy of Arts) to facilitate the needs of those with lofty dreams of fame and fortune. Tourism is important for this country- its well known for its art and theater, food, and for some its red light district. Its festivities are famous (or notorious) world wide and they happen often as they generally celebrate most holidays of both the elvish and common deities. There are many temples to be found and many include both human and elvish deities who control similar portfolios. Deities of Coin, Inspiration, Luck, Festivity, and Love are the most commonly and openly worshiped; Kardath is also known for its massive and ostentatious gambling dens and a local favorite is horse race gambling. Even while a part of the Marasen Empire Kardath was known for it's superior horse breeding and their horses are sought after worldwide by those who can afford them.A Dark Underbelly
Though Kardath seems like a dream and a wonder to many, it does have a dark side. It's a plutocracy for one, ruled by the most wealthy, though it pretends to be run by a democratic parliament. Its well known that the local politicians buy their way into these positions. The citizen's vote is utterly meaningless. The government was originally organized with the best intentions but it was corrupted in part by part of the elvish aristocracy (who greatly aided in the Civil War) who felt it was their right to remain in high political positions. They kept certain loopholes in place on purpose which were later also exploited by other wealthy Kardathans. There is a sizable wealth gap between the rich and the poor and social mobility is difficult. It takes a ridiculous amount of talent to shine in this place and be recognized. Most places are very expensive to live in and there's a sizable (albeit well hidden) populace of homeless people. It is also a hotbed for crime- especially pickpockets and con-artists. The law force in Kardath, the Stadwacht, is easily bought off. In this society where reputation is everything, even among the wealthy there in no shortage of dirty dealings and intrigue. There are secret wars between the "Old Money" and "New Money", and many factions vying for power and influence within the largest cities. Its home to no less than two assassins guilds and they are kept well in business- (Order of the Black Rose near Silverhold and The Cloister of Living Shadows in Yersek (which has a sister location in Namiza). There are also serious issues with drugs imported from Namiza.The Glittering Cities
Yersek The lakeside capital city, home to a school that started out secretly teaching Marasenian's enchantment and illusion magic. Yersek is the largest city in Kardath and a major cultural center for Kardathan pride and history. They call themselves the City that Never Bowed- the city that never assimilated to Marasen's rigid imperial laws and which caused constant issues with uprisings. This city has the largest obviously elvish influence and populace, being just a short boar ride away from the elvish realm of Astrithyr. It rests just on the edge of one of the largest river trade routes and most imports from Namiza enter the country here. It is the Kardathan center for the arts- more so the physical arts than the performative ones. There are many museums and sculpture gardens to be found. Ijzertuin Ijzertuin was completely sacked during the fight for Kardath's independence but has been rebuilt into a thing of rigid and imposing stature. It was rebuilt with extremely large protective walls, should the hungry northern empire ever turn it's greedy eyes upon them once more and heavily outfitted with barracks and blacksmiths. Izjertuin rests not far from the Marasen border and any trade between the two countries often occurs either here or the border town of Twin Bridge just a few miles to the north. Izjertuin is mostly known as an industrial town, with ores from the nearby mountains being imported here for processing. Some call it the City of Soot for all the smog that hangs in the air. Unlike most places in the interior, it is not a tourist destination. It's residents are salt of the earth kind of folks who work hard and drink harder. Lyresong Lyresong is Las Vegas Meets Venice. Also sometimes called the Homeland of the Bards as it is the musical entertainment capital of Kardath and likely the world. It is renowned for its theaters and concert halls and people can wander any major avenue and see some fantastic street performers for free. It is also known for its fine cuisine and hospitality, not to mention its world-infamous red light district- The Blooming Canal. The city rests on the banks of the Gold River and much of it is carved up by various these canals which in turn carve up various districts in the city. Traveling the city by boat is often preferred by those with the money to do so as they can avoid the large crowds, panhandlers, and pickpockets which are a plenty. Silverhold Silverhold is one of the few towns as old as Yersek. Originally it was the capital of Old Kardath, until Marasen burnt it down and built a new fort upon the ashes.. It is the home to Kardath's main military force- where soldiers are trained in combat before being stationed along one of the border towns. As a country between three nations with tumultuous histories, Kardath is ever prepared for the possibility of war. Though much of the city's center is locked behind the large walls of the military hold, a large sprawling township has spread out from the edges, full of locals who came here to get away from the tourists. There are many farmsteads around this region paid by the government to provide food for the military. This includes some of Kardath's finest wineries. It is the only city in Kardath not plagued with crime- for obvious reasons. Droomstad Droomstad was once nothing more than an agricultural center in southern Kardath- the natural meeting place for all the farms and ranches in the fertile south. Then it bloomed into the horse-breeding capital of the continent. No one can compete with a Silver Blooded Kardathan Horse, though breeders from both Marasen and Belstrad as well as Namiza have certainly tried. Droomstad is visited by tourists largely for the horse races and auctions, though their farmers markets are nothing the sneeze at. Though large enough to be considered a city, Droomstad is not as heavily populated as most of the other sizable townships in Kardath, still being home mostly to more rural folk. Its unprecedented growth is a recent phenomena brought on by the yearly Droomstad Derby and the new folks who are inspired each year to get into the affluent business and the gambling that comes with it.
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