Dwarven Kingdom of Ustril
The Dwarven Kingdom of Ustril is a country that is governed by 5 dwarven kings that rule in harmony. A long standing alliance spearheaded by a legendary dwarven king from long ago Ustril Adamantite Heartbellow. Each dwarven king governs their own city and surrounding area and defends it well. Forces and material are shared between all kings as needed with a high level of self sufficiency backed by a strong bureaucracy.
The craftsmen in the kingdom's cities produce some of the best jewelry, tools and arms in all of Elium. Jewels and other raw materials are dug up by the hardworking dwarves under the large mountain peaks that house the various strongholds. Most food produced in the kingdom comes from the larger swathes of colder tundra in the east and north of the county.
Although the country is called a dwarven kingdom, it does not explicitly house dwarves. In reality a large part of the population is non dwarven and works in conjunction with the dwarves displaying their own talent. Most non dwarven population does live above ground, which does cause some form of discrimination between "the mountains dwellers" and the "plainsfolk".
The Dwarven Kingdom's main issue is the continued invasions from the various Orks and other monsters that live on the Plains of Grahaul. The kings of the kingdom are debating a large scale invasion assimilating the plains into the kingdom. This plan hasn't found much backing yet, as it would almost double the size of the kingdom. This additional size would mean a host of changes throughout the kingdom and it's policies without adding much in return as the plains provide very little that the Dwarven Kingdom of Ustril doesn't already have.
Structure
The dwarven kingdom of ustril is governed by five dwarven kings from their respective strongholds. The kings and their strongholds are:
| King | Stronghold |
|---|---|
| Dedmonlim Ingotjaw | Gimbadihr |
| Holgil Drakespine | Gontihrm |
| Skaddarlug Hardshield | Horndohr |
| Vakdrac Coalfury | Dug Boldihr |
| Yondick Chainbraids | Bhinrogh |
Each king controls and protects a portion of the kingdom but is not free to do whatever they please. New laws and regulations can only be passed by a majority vote where all the kings are involved. This system of government ensures that no dwarf king can easily undermine the strength of the kingdom as a whole. It also means that (necessary) changes sometimes have a very long waiting period as a meeting between the kings is waiting to be organized or if no majority vote is reached during a meeting. Luckily for the inhabitants of the kingdom, the kings often manage to quickly align on issues and new regulations as there is a general working together spirit embedded throughout the kingdom, including the kings.
Besides the kings on top of the government structure, the dwarven kingdom is build on bureaucrats and a class system. Whatever class you are born in, is depended on your ancestors and the place that they managed to attain in their time. It is therefore possible to change class by decree of a king, if the king decides to change the class of a whole clan. There are three classes within the society of the dwarven kingdom of ustril, worker, soldier, noble. It is important to note that to most inhabitants of the dwarven kingdom very much appreciate the class system. It helps set clear expectations and goals for all those in the kingdom.
Nobles
While most nobility around Elium feels that they are elevated above the common folk because of their title, the nobility in the dwarven kingdom of ustril is elevated because the other classes allow them to be. The life of a noble in the dwarven kingdom is one of intense dedicated servitude to the people under their wing. All noble clans attempt to lead by example and make sacrifices needed to help their inhabitants prosper and reach even greater heights. The workers are happy to support the endeavors of the nobles as they know that they are generally acting in their best interest. The soldiers feel proud to be assigned to protect the noble clans as without them, the kingdom wouldn't be able to operate and prosper. The nobles themselves function and (higher) positioned bureaucrats and governors of territory or more specific tasks such as a mining operation.
Workers
The workers are the most common class in the dwarven kingdom of ustril. If you are referring to the common folk, you are referring to the workers. The working class is the manual labor that keeps the dwarven kingdom prosperous and almost all workers take great pride in their work, and that of their ancestors. Many workers strive to become the personal workforce of a noble clan in whatever profession they can to produce the best possible product. Other groups also exist that specifically focus on creating the best product for the lowest amount of effort to feed, dress and equip the many inhabitants of the dwarven kingdom.
Non dwarf inhabitants of the dwarven kingdom are by default classified as workers. Furthermore the non dwarf inhabitants need te spend additional effort to get their family name recognized amongst the high very high standards of the dwarf. This is especially difficult for short lived races who often think that the dwarfs for whom they produce are racist. The reality is simply that true master craftsmanship is easier to achieve in 400 years of lifespan than in 40-80. Because of this a lot of non dwarf inhabitants fulfill bureaucratic roles or professions that are quicker to master.
Soldiers
The soldier class in the dwarven kingdom includes about 10% of the whole population, granting the dwarven kingdom of ustril the largest standing army in all of Elium. Being a soldier is a way of life for everyone in this class. The soldiers always strive for improvement and most of them foster a strong believe that the forces of the dwarven kingdom could defend against all foes the roam Elium. Most of the their time is spend in training but soldiers also fulfill active roles in society in periods of peace. All guards in the dwarven kingdom hail from the soldier class but they also contribute workers for inspecting foreign goods for the other nations.
It rarely happens that a clan in shifted from worker to the soldier class as it is believed that the soldier clans of the dwarven kingdom birth hardier and stronger people than others. Sometimes noble houses are changed into a soldier house or the other way around. This often happens if specific soldier clans have proven to be excellent leaders in combat or when a noble clan would like to be more involved in enacting the law than upholding it.
Culture
Together we stand, United we fall! This is the motto that is often referenced by the inhabitants of the dwarven kingdom. It is engrained in all of the newborn as early as possible by parents and others taking care of children. The motto was made popular by the founder of the dwarven kingdom, namely Ustril Adamantite Heartbellow. Ever since, the population has taken it to heart and express it in almost everything they do. This has let to an elitist worldview for many of the inhabitants who scarcely believe that any other country in the world could match the glory of the dwarven kingdom.
The elitist worldview is mostly supported by facts, the dwarven kingdom is amongst the most prosperous and safe place to be within Elium. It is one of the least corrupt countries and there are only very few people in the empire that strive to enrich only themselves at the cost of others. While these facts of life are great for the inhabitants, it has also created a slightly xenophobe demeanor spread throughout the working and soldier class. Individuals that actually work in foreign policy or work with foreign goods, quickly realize that quality products and nice people do exists outside of the dwarven kingdom and are easily capable of adjusting their worldview once trust is earned.
Like everywhere else, the inhabitants of the dwarven kingdom of ustril are all unique. The class system and communal way of thinking ensure that the following tenants are found commonly:
- Together we stand, United we fall.
- All jobs are worth doing and can be perfected into an artform.
- Do not dishonor the clan/family.
- Trust is like glass, fully transparent but quickly broken if treated in the wrong way.
Public Agenda
The dwarven kingdom of ustril is very self centered and traditionally not really cooperative with other countries. Lately they have been expanding their external diplomatic efforts. They hope to counteract the one external problem that they can't deal with themselves, the attacks from the Plains of Grahaul. The plains are simply to large for the dwarven kingdom to conquer all by themselves while retaining enough of an army to feel save.
The new foreign policies can be seen in the dwarven kingdom's deal with the Kingdom of Signium. The dwarven kingdom provides equipment and training for the manpower the Kingdom of Signium can offer. The Kingdom of Signium has also been asking the dwarven kingdom about training opportunities for their craftsman and the dwarven kingdom has been hesitant to provide training, fearing that their excellent quality could be cheaply copied by their new allies.
The dwarven kingdom has also been engaging the Coalition of Sand and Dreams and the Alliance of Hurora to help and quell the problem on the plains from all angels but haven't seen much success with their diplomacy in those countries just yet.
Assets
The dwarven kingdom of ustril has an enormous amount of assets available to them, rare materials, manpower, wealth and schooled craftsmen are all plentiful. The areas away from the mountainous regions are less wealthy than the king cities the lie in the mountains, as most of the power is concentrated there. Being in inward focused nation, most of this wealth remains in the dwarven kingdom of ustril.
Most exports of the dwarven kingdom are their tools, weapons and armor for the Kingdom of Signium. The exported tools are much welcomed by the inhabitants of the Kingdom of Signium as they are of much higher quality than their local craftsmen. This has sparked a bit of unrest in the Kingdom of Signium as some feel that the import from the dwarven kingdom makes it impossible for their local craftsman to attain wealth.
Some (magic) raw material trading happens with the Alliance of Hurora where the dwarven kingdom feels like they get the better end of the deal. This also only concerns materials for which the dwarven kingdom feels that they have no need themselves.
History
Rivalry and strive
In the early days, the mountain range which is now central in the dwarven kingdom was host to five major dwarven strongholds namely, Gimbadihr, Gontihrm, Horndohr, Dug Boldihr and Bhinrogh. Each of these impressive strongholds housed a multitude of dwarven clans focused on self-sufficiency and self-improved. Inside the strongholds life was harsh but fair outside the strongholds was a almost permanent multi-front war ongoing. Each of the clans laid claim to the fullest mines and the rarest materials sometimes hundreds of miles away from the stronghold to which the clan belonged, such important were the raw minerals for the clans.
What exactly started the rivalry between the 5 clans appears to be lost to history, so long had the conflict been ongoing. It is said that throughout the mountain range, deep tunnels allow routes to each dwarven stronghold interconnecting them. These tunnels were dug over many many years to allow raids against opponents. During the digging of these tunnels the dwarves uncovered much more than simple than simple rock, ancient beings, rare materials and artefacts where all discovered as well. The rare finds only furthered the rivalry between the dwarven clans presenting new reasons that hate and to fight against each other.
A new king
Of course all clans knew about the immense toll the wars were taking on them, but none would surrender their pride and be the first to back down. That is, until the dwarf Ustril Adamantite Heartbellow become the dwarf king in the city of Bhinrogh. Not meant for the throne as he wasn't the first in line, Ustril had quite a bit of freedom growing up. Of course, he was well schooled by some of the best tutors his family could provide, however he also took interest in mastering the craft of blacksmithing. He was very peculiar in the fact that he preferred to do his blacksmithing in the common forges used in the city, stating that if he wanted to be a true master he couldn't simply rely perfect products created by others. He wanted to start from nothing and create his own tools.
When he wasn't sweating in the forge, Ustril was partook in some political discussions at home, thus staying informed of the conflicts and grudges against the other strongholds. This proved very helpful to him as through a series of misfortunes for his family he would be crowned king of Bhinrogh, inheriting the conflicts and problems created by his family. This took him away from his precious pursuit of blacksmithing but he vowed to service the stronghold as their king, in whatever way he could. As king he would be privy to important information, including information about the rare materials discovered while digging the attack tunnels.
While digging, the dwarfs encountered a new kind of mineral, adamantite. Being a blacksmith, Ustril was very interested and demanded the adamantite be brought to him for personal experimentation. So it happened, and soon Ustril was spending all of his free time trying to work with the new material. After quite a while, Ustril managed to figure out the secret to forging adamantite and maybe the secret to ending the strongholds grudges once and for all. instead of claiming the secret of adamantite for himself, he invited the best blacksmiths from the other strongholds to visit. He promised that the blacksmiths would be well treated guests and furthermore he would teach them about adamantite and the secret to forging it. Ustril strongly believed that blacksmithing was at the core of all strongholds and their war efforts, and thus it could be something the brought them together.
Forging an alliance
The other stronghold were very suspicious about Ustril's invitation for their master smiths, thinking it would be a plot to take out some of their best craftsman and weakening their position. Tempted by this secret they all send some blacksmiths of varying skill levels that they could potentially miss. True to his word, Ustril welcomed his guests and treated them very well, placing almost no restrictions on them while they stayed within his stronghold. He showed them the adamantite and attempted to teach them the secrets to forging it. The smiths send by the other strongholds soon learned that the were not skilled enough to handle the material properly and returned home. Ustril send them home with supplies and a new invitation for their kings. He invited the kings to send the real master blacksmiths this time and if possible accompany them so they could discuss their similarities instead of their differences.
Ustril's message was delivered, still not fully believing Ustril, the other kings didn't want to accompany their master craftsman to his stronghold. Once the master craftsman arrived they were once again treated very well and this time, Ustril did manage to instill them with the secret to forging adamantite. While working and training together, the blacksmiths soon realized that they had more in common than they were actually different. Believing in Ustril and his vision they agreed to help him convince their kings to end the conflicts between the strongholds and none of the participants actually knew why they were fighting anymore in the first place. They only knew that they were fighting because their ancestors were already in this conflict.
When the master blacksmiths returned home, they all attempted to convince their kings about a peace treaty. Not all of them accepted, but one did, the king of Gontihrm was prepared to start talking peace with Ustril. Of many conversations, the first peace treaty was formed and unification of forces against the other strongholds was in place. This shift in power balance prompted the other kings to start talking peace with Ustril and he had been continually approaching them. The kings agreed to join a peace conference including all the kings of the mountain range.
During this legendary peace conference, the gathering of kings, it actually did not take very long for all the kings to agree on a peace treaty, thus ending their generations long conflict. Henceforth they would unite, each retaining power of their own strongholds but sharing whatever they could. It was then and there where the king unanimously agreed to immortalize the name of Ustril forever in the name of their new kingdom, as none of it would have been possible without him.
Military
The military is ingrained in the culture and societal level of the dwarven kingdom of ustril. Soldier are found throughout the country and fulfill many duties. All of them are rigourisly trained to be able to serve in large battles, further specialisation is up to the individuals preferences. (Foreign) inteligence gathering, detective work, (battlefield) construction are examples of the various specialisations.
With 10% of the dwarven kingdom's population official soldiers and ready to fight and with the other 90% at least trained in the basics of combat, the dwarven kingdom of ustril has the largest standing military might of the whole continent. This army ensures that the raids from the Plains of Grahaul and Tridoroc never get far and never take much from the kingdom.
Religion
Religion is a very important aspect for many of the kingdom's inhabitants. Worship to all gods is open although some are more popular than others. In almost all cities and towns you will find temples or shrines for Buril, Creator of Perfection, Linessia, Goddess of Light and Olkiced, Hero of War.
Buril, Creator of Perfection is most frequently worshipped by the workers of the dwarven kingdom. Many workers ask Buril for guidance and inspiration and try not to dishonor his teachings. Some of the most well established workers of the dwarven kingdom have private shrines in their home or workplaces which they believes help them provide better quality.
Symbolism of Linessia, Goddess of Light is frequently found in the houses of nobles and in the courts throughout the dwarven kingdom. Her teachings of peace have found their way into laws and regulations of the dwarven kingdom. Additionally, being one of the most selfless deities, many nobles attempt to follow her example in their service for their people as well as trying to appease their ancestor's memories.
Teachings of Olkiced, Hero of War are standard amongst the soldier class of the dwarven kingdom. Although worship is not enforced, ideals and proper conduct taught by the temple of Olkiced are part of each soldier's training.
Together we stand, United we fall.
Economic strength: High
Military might: High