Dalstrom

The nation of Dalstrom would like to call itself an empire, but is more of a martial dictatorship than anything else. Despite bordering two of the most powerful empires in Calbion, the country has managed to maintain relative peace for long stretches, thanks to their high economic influence. It is believed that over half of Granditore’s adamantine and steel exports come from Dalstrom, and the metal commodity trade provides the councils of Dalstrom with substantial leverage.

Twenty years ago a former Consul of Dalstrom became a bit too confident in his nation’s influence and attempted to leverage more out of Granditore than had been granted in the last hundred years.

Two months after this diplomatic faux pas, the Consul’s palace was stormed by a mysterious force of terrorist agents, or so was claimed. The ensuing chaos resulted in the palace exploding in a swirl of green fire, killing all government officials located therein, and taking the attackers with it. It is commonly thought that the agents were sent by elements of Granditore, and the Spire Lands have never made any effort to deny such claims.

The country is now one of Granditore’s closest allies, although much of this is to appease its powerful neighbour, and because the people of Dalstrom disdain Zhakhustra far more.

Industries

Known for its heavy industrial core, Dalstrom boasts some of the richest veins of adamantine in the world, and it is said that much of the Adamantine Spire was built with Dalstrom adamantine. As such, mining and forging are the quintessential industries of the country.

While mining is the main industry in Dalstrom, many coastal villages are well known for their prowess at making ships with Dalstrom steel. Many citizens from these coastal villages are therefore recruited en masse to work for Granditore.

Coastal fishing is said to feed the mining industry, and a great deal of the most fertile lands are located along the coast.

Life and Society

A life of soot and drudge work is the life of the average miner of Dalstrom. It’s not particularly glamorous, but the lower castes are an industrious and resourceful people. The upper caste consists mostly of elite military families, whose martial discipline and combat effectiveness decide their rank both on and off the battlefield.

Government and Politics

Consul Kierin Van Tresla (LN male dwarf, aristocrat 3/fighter 8) rules the country by constant vigilance, ever fearful that his more powerful neighbours might try to annex his country.

Power Groups

The military aristocracy is a powerful force that enforces the tightly knit caste system of Dalstrom.

Religion

Terraion is a common belief among the dwarves of Dalstrom. Others tend to find the teachings of the Prophet Xenos more palatable.

Major Settlements / Important Sites

Brenholm: The natural fortress of Brenholm serves as the seat of government in Dalstrom. Built into a mountainside, Brenholm is essentially impregnable. While the majority of the population would call the Consul's rule marshal and at times overly harsh, only those within the capital city of Brenholm are said to feel the full effect of the Consul’s iron fist.

Adventuring In Dalstrom

The mountainous terrain of Dalstrom is forbidding to those not familiar with the passes that crisscross the land. Though this is the familiar face of Dalstrom, fewer travel deep enough beyond the mountain ranges to see the prosperous green coasts, the fertile valleys hidden between the mountains, and the forests that dot the land.