Kingsreach

The capital of what remains of the Dwarf empire, Kingsreach is a vast hold containing much of their remaining population. Occupying a hollowed out mountain, the hold stands at the head of a long valley, brimming with agriculture and life. A living relic of ancient Dwarf glory, the sheer bounty of the hold harkens back to golden years long since past. Kingsreach is the home of High King Amit Pritipa and his court, a bickering collection of scheming nobility, as well as many human diplomats and other holdking envoys. With such concentrated political power, it remains the beating heart of Dwarf society, despite the claims of lesser upstart holds.

Politics

Dwarf politics are notoriously fractious and self-serving, and perhaps grow even moreso in the administrative centre that is Kingsreach. The High King has long been a respected and capable leader, putting down the countless plots and threats against he and his crown. And yet even the strongest backs must break. Age has eroded the great Dwarf that he once was, condemned to impotently cling to life at the end of his road. And yet his mind remains sharp, imprisoned in a feeble body. Many are his counsellors who use this weskness to their advantage, pushing policies and actions they themselves benefit the most from. Unsurprisingly, there are various factions arrayed in this battle, while a silent loyalist faction struggles to react to the abuse of their King. Honourbound to protect him, yet unable to act against his wishes, his bodyguards and true followers must watch helplessly as the realm deteriorates.

Adding to this drama in the capital, the various Holdkings across the empire circle at the prospect of a vacancy in the High King's seat, gnashing their teeth for a chance at independence, or even greater, the throne itself. Their envoys anxiously track the conflicts in Kingsreach, judging for the precise moment when their own rulers should strike. And yet, for all of this tumult, the bulk of Kingsreach lives in peace. Farmers and craftsmen all practice their trades, producing a surplus to feed and supply the neighbouring smaller holds and villages. Trade flows down from the mountains into Arran, with Homfe in particular seeing the benefits of the Dwarf capital's proximity.

Groups

Opportunists

Kingsreach is divided between multiple major factions, broken into the opportunists and the loyalists. These two groups all want one of two basic goals, with their intentions or methods being the difference between them. Opportunists seek to either disrupt or outright usurp the rule of the High King, through political subterfuge or strongarm tactics in his court. While this group is obviously an enemy of the king, complicating matters is the involvenent of the King's son and heir, who seeks to overthrow his father after more than a century of waiting for his chance with the crown. While their plots have worked to undermine Amit Pritipa's authority, the old king still clings to life, a thorn in the side of those who would completely takeover and rule in his place.

Loyalists

Working against the Opportunists in the High King's court are those loyal to the throne. Either for their own self-preservation, as some of his more established counsellors, or out of duty and honour, each person works to support and continue the reign of the old Pritipa, against the wishes of his heir and the next High King. While most work towards selfish motives, others are simply caught in a paradox of duty, seeing the wisdom in avoiding internal conflict, but forced to one side through their own oaths of protection. Chief among these is Raghu, the High King's bodyguard, who struggles with who among the King's retinue to obey. This sort of dilemma is common, and muddies the waters tremendously when it comes to a clear division between the political factions in the city.

Landmarks

Harem

The peak of Kingsreach is generally off limits to outsiders of any sort, be they Dwarf or otherwise. Visitors are carefully escorted through the maze of corridors and antechambers into the presence of the High King, or more commonly, some of his assembled ministers and courtier. All of this upper section is known as the Harem, considered part of the royal apartments for the High King and his family. Secluded and private, they offer a respite from the necessities of courtly life, and a private place to intrigue against one another. They are beautiful and elaborate, bedecked in the finest of Dwarf craftsmanship. Baths of marble and gold, audience chambers with pillows and sofas, courtyards that open to the sky; all can be found in the labyrinth, attended by guards and servants. It is here where the King spends much of his time, kept away from the pressures of ruling in his infirm state.

Personalities

High King Amit Pritipa

For all the crises and hardships the Dwarf empire has gone through in the past few centuries, it has had the same steady hand guiding it. Amit Pritipa, the venerable old king, surveys his kingdom from his throne high in Kingsreach. And yet even this steady hand has begun to fail with age. Councillors and other sycophants crowd his chamber, each trying to cloud the old Dwarf’s judgement with their own thoughts and desires. The Holdkings grow bolder with every passing year, the High King’s power over them waning as nobles within the capital bicker and fight with each other for ever greater influence. Amit himself is a just and honourable king, and a great warrior in his youth. Age has enfeebled him, committing him to his throne. He must be carried by attendants who help the Dwarf into his bed. He sees petitioners rarely, instead leaving the task to his stewards. Many see the King as embattled, and seek to rid him of his poisonous councillors, yet none have been brave enough to do so yet. Amit has a long beard, grown unkempt as his health declines. His eyes are sunken, while his skin is sallow and frail. Nothing about him evokes the mighty Dwarf of his youth, instead calling forth little more than pity.

Raghu, Hathaura of Kartir

The Hathaura, or Swords, of Kartir are an elite military order spread across the Dwarf empire. They serve as a religious cult for the Dwarven god of battle and strategy, and also as shock troops for the Dwarven army when it marches to war. With chapters in most Dwarf settlements, they are renowned fighters whose ranks include some of the finest warriors Dwarf lore has to offer. Its head is Raghu, a young and shining example of what the Hathaura should represent; a supreme and exemplary soldier. Foolhardy and headstrong, he nonetheless takes his duty extremely seriously and has the respect of many Dwarves. As head of the Hathaura, he is also the chief guard for the High King. In this role he has somewhat faltered, allowing traitorous councillors to come near his charge. Raghu is conflicted on this, on the one hand eager to protect his king from all threats, while on the other loathe to overstep his duty as a guardian. Some within Kingsreach have begun to enlist him to their cause of removing those damaging members of the High Kings court, a prospect which pushes him further and further into anxiety. Raghu is tall and broad, coated almost entirely in his decorative and shining plate armour. His features are proud, and a beard hangs down to his chest with decorative silver bands braiding it.

Pasha, High King's Son

The court of the High King is a precipitous place, with many walking the fine lines of intrigue that run throughout. Rules and traditions reign supreme, guiding the interactions and events that occur daily. One of the most important of these governs succession, indicating the chosen heir to ascend upon the death of a King. Tradition typically hands it to a son, though even then the heir must earn the fealty and loyalty of the various Holdkings. Any who wish to challenge the passing of the crown may resist and try to gain his own majority among Holdkings, resulting in upheaval and unrest surrounding any High King's death. For his part, the King's eldest son Pasha has done a good job at keeping himself secure as Amit's heir. His politicking across his eighty years has secured the support of most influential nobles in Kingsreach, and he has also made good inroads with some of the more upstart Holdkings as well. The largest issue he has faced is that much of this work has been counter to his own father's reign. Especially in recent years, Pasha has found himself embracing the enemies of the High King to try and secure his own reign. This has placed him in an awkward role as antagonist to his own father, despite the necessity of it. Pasha is a middle aged Dwarf, owing to Amit's long life as King. A salt and pepper beard stretches from his chin, with wrinkles beginning to appear on his face. He is of average height, with a thin figure. He is known for his temperance and devout nature.