Kingdom of Dalen

The Kingdom of Dalen is the most industrious kingdom within the Imbringen Islands. Originally founded by Dwarven and Gnomish settlers who traveled to the region after news of its existence reached their original homelands, the extreme skill of the craftsmen and engineers that filled the Dwarven and Gnomish ranks soon ensured that the Kingdom of Dalen became a major power within the Imbringen Islands.

The capital of the Dwarven Kingdom is known as Astus's Forge. Said to be built around the forge of the God of Craftsmen (hence the name) it is also where the Grand Cathedral for Astus and the majority of his worshipers, dwarf, gnome and human alike can be found.

History
The history of the Kingdom of Dalen begins with the Silvervein family, an influential family of Dwarves who lived within the mountain region of Khaz Modan. After the discovery and initial settlement of the Imbringen Islands by humans leaving the fractured Arathorian Empire, the patriarch of the Silvervein family, Nalin Silvervein, took his family and what other dwarves that would follow him to these new islands where they settled on a large island to the east of the fledgling Luxerois Empire. Within record time these dwarves, skilled masons, miners and blacksmiths had established a small township named Silvervein, after the patriarch himself. Eager to dig deep into the mountains and discover what precious gems and metals were lodged beneath the earth, they established a network of mines beneath Silvervein and into the mountains.

During one such expedition, miners led by the son of the patriarch, Dalen Silvervein, discovered an ancient structure and tunnel system deep within one of the plains to the far north of the island system. At the center of this structure was located a large anvil and hammer, far larger than any dwarf. None of the dwarves understood what the facility was or why these structures had been left behind. Instead they discovered a name, Astus, and images of a large dwarf-like creature holding the very hammer that they had found on the mysterious anvil. Knowing that they had stepped into chambers that once belonged to a legendary being, the dwarves decided to protect the region, becoming the first Anvil Guard, and spread news of their discovery to the other inhabitants of the island. News of such a discovery caused dwarves and gnomes from all over the island to flock to this newly discovered region. Over time a settlement was constructed around the anvil, the earth was cut away opening the area up to the open sky and over the generations that passed, a teeming metropolis sprung up in the region which became known as Astus's Forge.

With the explosion of population in and around Astus's Forge, news spread far and wide of the discovery and more dwarves and gnomes traveled to the island nation. More settlements were constructed to house the growing population and soon the Kingdom of Dalen was forged.

Government
The Kingdom of Dalen is unique in the fact that unlike the other Kingdoms and Empires of the Imbringen islands it is not ruled by a single person or powerful family. With the establishment many large townships around the Kingdom, each with their own influential families, it became clear that all the cities and townships needed to have a say in the overall running of the kingdom, less there be unrest and rebellion from one city or another. Unable to decide on a form of leadership the leaders of the townships called upon Godreck Silvervein, Forgefather and High-Priest of Astus to commune with the God of Craftsmen to determine the future of the Kingdom. Godreck ventured into a sealed chamber with the holy tome of his faith 'The Fires of the Forge' and when he returned he declared that a Council would need to be established and that only through equality would the Kingdom of Dalen continue to thrive. With no dwarves or gnomes well versed in politics, it was decided that the council would be formed from the greatest warriors of each settlement. Trials would be held in each township and city to determine their champion and that champion would serve on the council, representing the interests of their individual settlements.

Positions on the council are lifetime appointments although the average lifespan of a Champion is somewhat short. Conflict with other forces in Imbringen, from undead and demons to raiders and wild beasts, mean that the military forces of each settlement are constantly needed and the council champions, being the best warriors in each settlement are expected to fight alongside their military. Should a champion fall, there is no fanfare or regal funeral for the entire kingdom, but rather a small private sending off before a new champion is selected to fill the empty position. This does not provide true stability, but it also prevents champions from striking deals with each other based on friendships to favor one township over others, as champions are replaced on a semi-regular basis.

There are a grand total of 10 seats on the Warrior Council, however with the invasion of forces from the Darklands the number of active seats has been reduced to 8, with 2 of the Dwarven settlements having been cut off from the rest of Dalen.

Locations of Note
WIP