Khatharbund
Khatharbund, known as the City of Fortune, has long been a central hub for trade and culture, flourishing as a result of its strategic location between bustling towns and cities. Founded in 4082 during the early expansion period, the city has grown from a small trading outpost into a thriving metropolis. Positioned at the crossroads of major trade routes, Khatharbund became a melting pot of diverse peoples and cultures, each contributing to the city’s unique character. Over time, the city transformed into a major center of commerce, religion, and craftsmanship.
Over the years, Khatharbund’s growth continued, attracting a melting pot of cultures, faiths, and races. Temples dedicated to Pelor, the Raven Queen, Ioun, and Bahamut became prominent centers of worship, and the people of Khatharbund embraced these diverse religions. The city flourished not only as a commercial hub but also as a place of spiritual and intellectual growth, with each faith contributing to the city’s unique character. The Warre family, descended from Hely herself, continues to govern the city today, with Lady Abel Warre as the current ruler. Despite rumors of the family’s decline due to the lack of a clear successor, Khatharbund remains a thriving metropolis.
Demographics
Khatharbund has long been a melting pot of races, cultures, and religions, which has shaped its identity as one of the most diverse cities in the region. The city’s central location along major trade routes has attracted individuals from all over the world, each bringing with them their unique traditions, beliefs, and customs. As a result, the population of Khatharbund is a vibrant tapestry of various races, from humans and elves to dragonborn, dwarves, and more exotic species like tieflings, gnomes, and half-orcs. While humans remain the largest demographic, dragonborn, in particular, hold significant cultural and religious influence due to the city's long-standing ties to the worship of Bahamut.
Government
Khatharbund’s government has evolved over the centuries. While the Warre family has always held ultimate authority, the city has a decentralized structure that allows for some level of local governance. Elections are held every five years in various districts of the city, where representatives are chosen to oversee specific areas. However, despite the electoral process, the position of mayor has always been held by a member of the Warre family. Lady Abel Warre, the current ruler, has surrounded herself with a council of sorcerers from various faiths and races. This body advises her on matters of politics, religion, and trade, though they hold little true power compared to the Warre family’s influence.
Industry & Trade
One of the most important industries in the city is its smithing and alchemy trades. The city is known for its high-quality crafted goods, which are exported far and wide. The temples also contribute to the city’s economic growth, as they are major centers of religious tourism. Khatharbund is also a hub for scholarly pursuits, with the Temple of Ioun functioning as both a place of worship and a vast library.
Infrastructure
Khatharbund’s infrastructure is well-developed, thanks in large part to its location as a trade hub. The city is crisscrossed by well-maintained roads, with the central marketplace serving as a focal point for commerce. The city is famous for its alchemical and crafting districts, where skilled artisans produce everything from fine weapons and armor to enchanted trinkets and potions. The market district operates on an open-vendor system, allowing traveling merchants to rent stalls for a set period, which encourages a vibrant and ever-changing atmosphere. Khatharbund also boasts a robust guild system, with many of the city’s industries organized into tightly knit factions.
History
The history of Khatharbund begins with its founding in 4082, during a period of colonization and territorial expansion. Hely Warre, an ambitious adventurer with a keen sense for trade, recognized the city’s potential as a hub for commerce and culture. She established her shop at the crossroads of key trade routes, drawing merchants and travelers from distant lands. With the help of mercenaries, she hired to protect her investments, Hely’s business grew rapidly, attracting more settlers who saw the opportunities the city presented. It didn’t take long for the town to become a bustling center of trade, and as it expanded, it developed into a city.
The early settlers of Khatharbund, many of whom were former adventurers, brought with them a wide array of skills and knowledge. Among them was Khathar, a bronze dragonborn, who saw the city as a place where faith and commerce could coexist. He began building the Spire of Bahamut, a magnificent temple dedicated to the Platinum Dragon, which would later become the most iconic structure in Khatharbund. This temple not only served as a place of worship but also became a symbol of the city’s prosperity and growth. The dragonborn, who had long held reverence for Bahamut, began to flock to the city, and it became known as a sanctuary for those who followed the god of justice and honor.
As the city grew, so too did its religious influence. Temples dedicated to Pelor, the Raven Queen, and Ioun were established, creating a unique spiritual landscape that was reflective of the city’s open and diverse nature. Over time, Khatharbund became known not only as a commercial center but also as a place of enlightenment, with scholars, clerics, and adventurers coming together to share their knowledge and practices.
In the years following its founding, Khatharbund faced several challenges, including invasions, political unrest, and economic downturns. Despite these setbacks, the city persevered, largely due to its strategic location and the strong leadership of the Warre family. The family’s rule, passed down from Hely to her descendants, has provided a sense of stability, though the current rumors surrounding the family’s future have led to uncertainty about what lies ahead. Lady Abel Warre, the current ruler, has ruled with a steady hand, maintaining the city’s position as a beacon of prosperity in the region.
The city has undergone many changes over the centuries, but it has always remained a hub for trade, culture, and religion. The legacy of its founders, particularly Hely Warre and Khathar, continues to shape Khatharbund’s identity as a city of fortune. Its history is marked by the growth of its religious and commercial sectors, the establishment of its iconic landmarks, and the ongoing struggle to maintain its diversity and unity in a world that is constantly changing.
In 4219, the world witnessed an event that would forever alter the faith and spiritual landscape of its people. What the world believed to be the deaths of their gods was, in fact, a shocking revelation—the gods they had worshipped for centuries, the gods of Pelor, the Raven Queen, Ioun, and even Bahamut, ceased to exist. With the disappearance of the old gods came the return of the true deities, the ancient and primordial gods who had been hidden from the mortal realm for untold ages. These gods—Krorone Goddess of Darkness, Felotl God of Light, Hydall God of the Arcane—were the original powers that shaped the world and the very forces of creation. As their influence reasserted itself, it was clear that the world was on the precipice of a new era, though the majority of mortals had no comprehension of what had truly happened.
For many in Khatharbund, the loss of their gods was devastating. The city had long been a center of worship for Pelor, the Raven Queen, Ioun, and Bahamut. Temples were dedicated to each of these deities, and the faithful of these gods formed the backbone of the city’s spiritual life. However, with the cessation of their divine patrons, these once-proud institutions were left in disarray. Clerics, who had once wielded the powers of their gods, found themselves powerless, their divine spells fading into oblivion.
For some time, there was a deep sense of spiritual vacancy within the city. The people, once devoted to their gods, began to search for new meaning, their faith shaken to its core. The city’s once-vibrant religious practices became quiet, uncertain, and fractured. People began questioning the nature of their worship, the very existence of their deities, and whether anything had ever truly been real. In Khatharbund, these new worshippers started to form small communities, practicing their rites in secret or in quiet corners of the city. The once-empty temples dedicated to the old gods slowly began to fill again, but not with the faithful of the gods who had disappeared, but with those who had turned to the forgotten powers. The faithful of Bahamut, though still holding onto their connection to the Platinum Dragon, began to quietly gather in secret corners of the city, unsure of the future but refusing to relinquish their devotion.
The rise of these new faiths was not without tension. The Warre family, rulers of Khatharbund, struggled with the shifting tides of faith, as many citizens turned to these new gods and abandoned the old traditions. The city, once a harmonious blend of diverse beliefs, became a battleground of sorts for conflicting ideologies. The new faiths of Krorone, Felotyl, and Hydall began to clash with the old believers, and the Warre family found themselves in an increasingly difficult position, trying to maintain the delicate balance of power.
Architecture
The architecture of Khatharbund reflects its diverse population and rich history. Buildings are a blend of old and new, with ancient stone structures coexisting alongside more modern wooden and brick constructions. The Temple of Bahamut, made of quartz stone and featuring a towering golden spire, is a prime example of the city’s grandeur. Many of the city’s buildings are adorned with intricate carvings and symbols representing the different gods worshipped in the city. The layout of the city is organized, with wide streets and open plazas that facilitate trade and community gatherings.
Geography
Khatharbund is fortunate to be situated in a geographically advantageous location, with easy access to surrounding natural resources. The fertile lands around the city are home to abundant crops, while nearby forests provide timber and other raw materials for the city’s industries. The proximity to major trade routes has also ensured a steady flow of exotic goods and resources from distant lands. The geography of Khatharbund, located at the crossroads of several important roads, has allowed it to grow into a prosperous center of commerce and culture. The city’s position has also made it a prime target for conquest throughout history, though its strong defenses and mercenary presence have kept it safe from outside threats.
Climate
Khatharbund enjoys a temperate climate, with warm summers and mild winters. The city is situated between fertile lands and trade routes, making it a prime location for agriculture and commerce. The climate has helped foster a thriving food industry, and the city is known for its diverse culinary offerings. The natural resources of the surrounding areas, including wood, stone, and mineral deposits, have contributed to the city’s growth and wealth.
Maps
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Grenias: Khatharbund
"May this foundation carry the weight of justice and may every stone laid be a promise—that light shall always rise, even when the world forgets how to look for it."
"I never meant to build a city—I only wanted a place where no one had to lie, beg, or bow to live. Funny thing about fortune: it follows where freedom dares to dig in."
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