Kingdom of Bholdor

The Kingdom of Bholdor is on the Isle of Bholdor in the Northwest corner of the map.

Population and Demographics
Bholdor is Primarily a home too dwarves. However, several of the outer races make their home there as well along with a few humans and halflings. 60% of the population is dwarves and 10% is human and halfling. The final 20% makes up several outer races who are not often seen in most cities.

History
This kingdom was established in the year 1 pw along with the Kingdom of Illeria. After the alliance of inner races was successful in defeating the Dark races and forcing them back to the uncharted lands the two groups who were mostly together were the Elven alliance and dwarves alliance. These groups formed the Kingdom of Illria and Kingdom of Bholdor respectively. The dwarves were mistrustful of the other nations, particularly those living on the continent of Valeria, and so closed the isle to outsiders with Bholdor's Issolation Edict. Like many nation's after the war the Kingdom was ruled by and named for the leader of their armies in this case General and now King Thermand Bholdor. He established the capital city of Kernbholdar that same year and chose governors for each of the 6 large cities also established by other heroes of the war. Several large towns also began to spring up and a nation was born. The Dwarves of Bholdor became very adept artisans and crafters of magical items and potions. The discipline of the Artificer was Created as many Alchemists and inventors began to spring up throughout Bholdor. Armorers, weapon smiths, and alchemists began to form guilds around 100 pw and kept their secrets of creation very tight lipped rarely if ever sharing their tendencies with outsiders. The history of Bholdor is divided up into the 7 reigns of its seven kings. The first reign was ruled by King Thermand Bholdor. He issued the isolation decree and oversaw the creation of the 6 other cities as well as many villages. He is remembered as a wise, but hard ruler. The Second Reign of King Thokum Greymail began in 120 pw. King Dalmund Greymane's rule began in the year 253 pw. In the year 330 pw King Dalmund decided to add Artificers to the standing army filling it with two new guilds of artificers: the battle smiths and the artillerists. In the Year 341 pw King Dalmund confident in his newfound forces ended the isolation edict allowing people to once again come to Bholdor. Some places had been isolated for so long the areas only speak dwarvish. In most of the larger cities common is still prevalent. In the year 375 pw Queen Brillan Mythral came to power. She is remembered as being the first queen of Bholdor and for how kind she was to her people. The 5th reign during the years 483 pw to 602 pw is controlled by Brillan's daughter Mistra Mythral. This is unusual as the ruler is usually elected by the governors of the other nations and it is rare for them to choose someone in the same family. In 602 pw during the 6th reign King Thayles Gardrom ruled harshly. He required heavy taxes and was unpopular among the common folk. He spent these taxes on strengthening Bholdor's Military and strengthening the artificer's Guilds. The king was deposed halfway through his reign in the year 625 pw due to his unpopular policies. In the 7th reign King Darmus Therador still rules today in 643 pw. To learn more about a particular king's History and the history of their reign click on their name.

Government and Economy
The Kingdom of Bholdor is a Constitutional Monarchy. The 6 governors of the other cities elect the leader of the Capital which also serves as the king. This Ruler has total power but can be removed from power by the Governors should he violate the people's wishes or the Concord of Rulership. This is similar to a constitution for The Kingdom of Bholdor. It details the Monarch's and people's rights. This power of the governor's has only been invoked once for King Thayles Gardrom. This was done due to pressure from the people and the threat of revolt rather than any violation of the Concord. The monarch rules until he dies or until removed from power. The Leader could also retire should they choose to though this rarely happens. Only a dwarf has ever been king or controlled a government position in the 7 major cities of Bholdor. The rulers of each city choose Judicians who make rulings on disputes and divide the guilt or innocence of criminals. Each governor makes law for their city as long as it does not conflict with capital policy.

The Kingdom of Bholdor is a capitalist nation. Their main export is weaponry and magical items. Most places in the other continents looking for magical items have to go to Bholdor to acquire them. Bholdor imports a lot of their food from Valerian countries.

Demonym
Bholdorians

Languages
Primarily Dwarvish and Common though other languages are spoken.

Military
The Kingdom has a standing force of 180 thousand troops. 60% are standard troops with the remaining force being the Artificer League of Defense. More can be conscripted during a time of great need.

Religion
Mainly Rebbian. It is said that the Ka week Ed Reb was discovered first in Bholdor but that was long before time was counted. The Rebbian Religion has always been popular among Dwaves. Some governors restrict religion, however the capital does not so some places have freedom of religion and others do not.

Education
Most citizens are educated on the Isle of Bholdor. Kids are made to attend school until they reach maturity and expected to apprentice on their career till they reach adulthood at age 50.

Locations
Capital: Kernbholdar

Cities: Vandaral; Homgurum; Geldan; Galbitorium; Themyur; Dag Duruhl

Major Towns: Kherndun; Benbor; Vanhiem; Danglador; Thomgrun

Minor Locations: Mount Desperation; Dreadful Hollow; Galbitorax River

Major Landmarks: Khern Mountains; Kegan Ocean