Grand Kingdom of Urguan

Grand Kingdom of Urguan 1329-1636 "The Hammer strikes hard on the iron, yet harder still on its foes." Type: Elective Monarchy Location: Aegis, Asulon, Anthos, Athera, Vailor, Axios Capital: Kal'Omith Grand King: N/A Tiles: 4 Succeeded by: Kingdom of Kaz'Ulrah Kingdom of Agnarum

The Grand Kingdom of Urguan was the established government of the dwarves until the War of the Beards ended in 1636. It was formed by the Grand King Thorik Grandaxe in the year 1329 in Aegis, bringing about an end to the Second Kingdom of Urguan and the reign of King Gotrek Firemane. The prefix 'Grand' was added to represent the start of a new era for dwarven kind, and to differentiate the nation from the previous Kingdom of Urguan which was viewed by many to have failed in its duties of leadership in recent years. The country was ruled by the Grand King of Urguan.

History

Aegis

The Grand Kingdom of Urguan was officially founded by Grand King Thorik Grandaxe in the year 1329. Thorik wished to differentiate the new Kingdom of the Dwarves from the old and failed Kingdom of the Dwarves in the past. Due to threats of war from both the Orcish Nation of Krugmar and the Holy Princedom of Malinor, and absent of King Gotrek Firemane, the Lord Marshal, Thorik Grandaxe (At the time known by the name of his bloodline, Braveaxe), opted to form a War Council. The war council intended to act as a counterbalance to the dwarven High Council, which had slowly displayed a growing ineptness in running the Kingdom in recent years. The War Council consisted of many of Thorik's closest commanders and advisers in the Legion, along with the Archbishop at the time, Thordan Irongut. When a secret meeting was held to determine how the War Council should act, it was ultimately decided that a military coup was in order. After the absence of King Gotrek for near an elven week, Thorik declared himself Grand King of Urguan. He named the first of his council, Valen Grandaxe, Grand Councilor of Diplomacy, Chaecus Grandaxe, Grand Councilor of War, Stronghold Grandaxe, Grand Councilor of Economics and Broski Grandaxe, Grand Councilor of Guilds.

For most of its history, the Grand Kingdom of Urguan thrived, achieving great feats whilst in power. In its early years, the race of dwarves was united under a single banner again, it's military revamped and its culture spreading by the day. When the Great War broke out across Aegis, the Grand Kingdom allied with the human Kingdom of Oren, battling back the orcs into the deserts of Krugmar, while the elven Wardens, the dwarven Legion's one time mortal enemy and rival were disbanded by the very leaders they served to protect. Though the Great War eventually ended in a treaty of white peace, the course of the war had made it glaringly obvious that the dominant powers had shifted, the dwarf-human alliance taking the role that the orc-elf alliance had once held. In the years following the Great War, Grand King Thorik did his best to protect his people from the dangers of the outside world, as well as attempting to retain a natural balance and peace that would lead to unity in the face of the ever growing threat of Iblees and the undead. However, after conflict arose between the Ascended Order and the Merchant City of Alras, a bounty was placed on the head of Kjell Ireheart. In response, the dwarves, feeling a challenge to their honor had been made, laid siege to and sacked the city of Alras. They also chose to abandon the worship of Aeriel and the Ascended in favor of the dwarves' ancient religion of the Brathmordakin.

The Verge

The Dwarves of the Grand Kingdom of Urguan flee to the Verge with the other mortal races of Aegis following the Battle of the Cloud Temple. Many dwarves refused to leave Kal'Urguan, Kjell Ireheart being most notable. Others were lost on the way to Asulon, such as Valen Grandaxe. In the Verge, a quick coalition of the Grand Kingdom of Urguan, the Kingdom of Oren, and the Kingdom of Alras is made - dubbed Tazarak. Alras shortly dropped out of this coalition as their High King Syrio had his chests lockpicked by some greedy dwarf.

Asulon

Upon the time of landing upon the shores of Asulon, Thorik had lost much of his original council and found himself struggling to rule without the advisers he had once held close to his side. In the newly rebuilt city of Kal'Karik, disagreements arose between Thorik and the Irongut Clan Father, Hiebe Irongut, leading a group of dwarves to leave the Kingdom, forming the island nation of Holm in the far north east of the continent. When Thorik was believed to be assassinated by cultists of Ondnarch, it was his son, Broski Grandaxe, who took on the reigns of power. However, over time the Kingdom slowly began to crumble, following a policy of isolationism. During this time, the old human alliance was lost amid power shifts in Oren lands and the formation of the Holy Oren Empire. As criticism of the nation's leadership continued, Broski stood down from the throne and handed the crown to his distant cousin, Stronghold Grandaxe, who was quickly ousted after Dwarves learned of his ties to a notorious bandit group, the Hollowed Bandits.

Kjell Ireheart was then elected as the next King. The Dwarves began to prosper under his rule due to the successful ongoing war against the War Nation of Krugmar. The end of the First Kingdom of Urguan was brought about after Gorum Frostbeard handed the Kingdom of Alras and all of its lands over to Urguan after years of successful espionage, marking the birth of the First Empire of Urguan. Shortly after, a dwarven resurgance would take place during the fifty year brutal war against the Orcs.

Elysium and Kalos

Asulon had been abandoned due to natural disasters and so the dwarves had been forced to flee to the Isles of Elysium. The former Grand King, Thorik Grandaxe, through to be dead, is found deep within the caves of the Elysium volcano, possessed by the spirit Ondnarch. Valen Grandaxe destroys the source of Ondnarch's power with the Hammer of Urguan and Thorik is released from his will. After grievances over King Hiebe Irongut's actions, Tortek Silverfist, Gorum Frostbeard and Kjell Ireheart agree to place Thorik back in power. After speaking with then Consular Valen Grandaxe, it is agreed that Thorik holds rightful ownership over the Kingdom. With Thorik's bid for power, House Silverblade and House Hightower reconfirm their strong ties with the dwarven nation after renouncing the Dwarves due to Hiebe Irongut's rule. However, removing Hiebe from power unsettles Malinor and House Tarus. Despite earlier rifts, the Dwarves agree to assist the White Rose and the War Uzg in laying siege to the newly reformed House Flay and the Teutonic Order. The battle is a success and Emperor Godfrey Horen gives the victory his blessing. Thorik Grandaxe is officially crowned Grand King of the Kingdom of Urguan and beneath him, Valen Grandaxe, Gorum Frostbeard, Omithiel Strongbrow, Tortek Silverfist and Kjell Stormhammer are made dwarven Lords. This caused political outrage from the Ironguts, they grew upset over Hiebe Irongut's recent removal and demanded representation among the Lords Council. Lord Gorum Frostbeard allowed Hiebe Irongut to replace him as lord to avoid inner conflict during a crucial time. After relations improve between The Kingdom of Urguan and the Holy Oren Empire, Grand King Thorik Grandaxe and Emperor Godfrey sign the Treaty of Aturial, and make a blood pact between the two nations, promising an alliance between them. For the first time in over fifty years, the dwarves and humans enter an alliance together.

After the golem crafting anvil goes missing, it is found to be in the hands of High Elves. In his fury, Lord Kjell Stormhammer breaks the alliance with Malinor, with no objections from the Lord's Council. For Lord Tortek's part in hiding the true location of the anvil, he is voted out of the Lord's Council. Replacing him is the Grand King's eldest cousin, Bazian Grandaxe. Under the new Rex Vrogak Gorkil, the orcs of the War Uzg invade the Kharajyr stronghold while a group of allied dwarves are stationed there. The stronghold is pillaged but later rebuilt by the dwarves. Only two dwarves survive the battle but bring word of the attack the the Kingdom of Urguan. Enraged at the orc's betrayal of the peace treaty, the Lord's Council agrees on a full scale invasion of the War Uzg. Emperor Godfrey offers his support and together, the Kingdom of Urguan and the Holy Oren Empire fight side by side, surrounding orc held territory in a matter of weeks. In the first true battle, the stronghold which later becomes known as Kazad'Urkus is put under dwarven control.

Thorik Grandaxe steps down as Grand King and calls for a re-election. Omithiel Strongbrow is crowned and elected King of the Kingdom of Urguan. Upon his coronation, he appoints former Lord Gorum Frostbeard to replace him in the Lord's Council. Under King Omithiel Strongbrow, the dwarves travel to the Isles of Kalos where the war with the War Uzg continues to rage on. The death toll is high on both sides of the conflict as the two races prepare to set sail for Anthos. Many great battles have occurred in the island of Kalos, most of which led by the Commanders Thorin Grandaxe, Gorum Frostbeard, and Lord Marshal Kjell Ireheart . The Legion was then a notorious force among all of the races, feared by many and loved by most.

The nations sail for Anthos, finally arriving in the newly constructed city of Kal'Azgoth.

Anthos

The dwarves settle into the grand city of Kal'Azgoth, hoping for a peace never before seen in dwarven history. With an alliance with Oren, prospects looked higher than ever. Shortly after arriving, the Empress of Oren and Wife of Emperor Godfrey Horen is kidnapped by a group of orc raiders. She is taken the to the War Uzg and placed in a sky cell. Upon learning of this, a joint Human - Dwarf raid is launched upon the orc capital and the inner city is breached with ladders. The orcs make a final charge but are eventually defeated, while only a small number escape with their lives. The Kingdom of Urguan launches a military strike into the territory of the War Uzg, first by targeting an orc fortress along the crossroads. After a large battle, the dwarves push the orcs back into the fort until they are eventually slain and the land is laid claim to by the dwarves. This mere crossroads outpost went on to become the notorious Storms Crossing.

After a long and bloody war the Orcs attempt to have peace negotiations with the Dwarves. Lord Valen Grandaxe and Lord Gorum Frostbeard gave them one option, they were to return the Arken Stone in return the war would end. The Orcs refused and the war raged on. As per tradition, The Fourth Grand Tournament of Urguan was held during the war against the War Uzg. Oyvind Frostbeard became the Champion of Urguan, earning him a commanding role in future battles against the Orcs.

As the war waged on Kal'Azgoth began to dwindle. The Merchant guild, led by Dun Irongut, couldn't successfully deliver goods and services to other Kingdoms as a result of the constant raids by the Orcs. As a result of a lack of trade, other guilds throughout the city began to suffer. Nalro Greyhammer's Engineering guild couldn't complete projects without import, Darain Grandaxe's mining guild couldn't export ore, and the Remembrancer guild led by Kilgrim Irongut couldn't properly chronicle the affairs of other nations due to the blockade set up on Dwarven roads. King Omithiel was growing frail and weak, he was no longer able to attend to the needs of the Kingdom as well as he used to due to his old age. Lord Gorum Frostbeard, Omithiel's closest advisor, assumed the responsibilities of the Kingdom after Valen Grandaxe's death. He paid the Legion, the Smithing Guild, the Alchemy Guild, the Mining Guild, and the Tavern workers out of his own pocket thanks to his successful business endeavors in other nations. Both Lord Gorum Frostbeard and Legion Commander Thorin Grandaxe kept the Kingdom on its feet after most Dwarves of old either vanished or died in battle. During these trying times King Omithiel Strongbrow passed away peacefully in his sleep. The Lords Council was summoned and candidates were determined for an immediate election. Gorum Frostbeard and Kjell Ireheart were slated to be the primary candidates for Kingship. However, Gorum Frostbeard tragically fell down the steps of Kal'Azgoth rendering him a cripple and unfit to serve as King. He entered Thorin Grandaxe's name in the election in his place. With little to no opposition, Thorin Grandaxe won the election and became the next Grand King of Urguan.

When Thorin took the throne of Urguan, he was able to select multiple Lords, whose predecessors had either died or stepped down. However, he had inherited a fragmented Kingdom that had endured years of continuous warfare, particularly with its old time enemy, the orcish the War Uzg. During his reign, separate Kingdoms were brought beneath the banner of the Grand Kingdom of Urguan, effectively creating an empire. Thus, a new phase in the history of the Grand Kingdom of Urguan was declared, leading it to be known by some as the Second Grand Kingdom of Urguan. During this time, the Kingdom's economy prospered, in part due to the new ruler's policy of forcibly taking minas as taxes from the majority of wealthy dwarves within the Kingdom. This effectively centralised the Kingdom's economy and led the Grand Kingdom of Urguan towards becoming the richest in Anthos. Additionally, the young ruler forced the holds and Kingdoms that lived beneath him to pay quotas to his government, so as to pay off any expenses in return for Legion protection. However, a rebellion soon erupted in Kal'Azgoth, many dwarves claiming Thorin a tyrant. When this rebellion was eventually stamped out, it only served to strengthen his rule however. He used the situation to his advantage, routing out his opponents, as well as gaining a better foothold on power within the Kingdom. This allowed him to create an amendment, granting himself near absolute authority over the Kingdom. Despite the ascent of a new Emperor, Horen V, he was also able to retain close ties with Oren throughout most of his reign, making many friends and allies among the human nation's nobility.

However, this peace was not to last. Many had long held their doubts about the Blood Pact, being viewed by some as a rather murky and unusual alliance, in light of past allegations against the Holy Oren Empire that it had been acting in support of the orcs during the fifty year war of Asulon. Though Thorin was viewed by some as a tyrant, he like many of his predecessors had attempted a gentle hand in foreign relations, unwilling to break Yemekar's Balance upon the world. With the Oren Empire's annexation of the elven nation of Malinor, pressure was placed upon Thorin to act. With the murder of Lord Nalro Grayhammer by a bannermen of the White Rose, Thorin in anger, looked to his allies from within Oren to seek help in destroying the Empire once and for all. It was from there that Lucius Blackmont and Pius Silverblade stepped forward, guaranteeing the support of their Houses in the event of an invasion. Reassured that his plan would work, Thorin held a meeting with his council and the decision was taken to declare war on Oren. As the dwarves made their advance north across the Cloud River, the Orenian army, headed by the White Rose met them in battle. To Thorin's surprise however, he was betrayed. From the nearby mountains, a flanking charge was led by House Blackmont, House Silverblade and House Carrion, while the White Rose and the rest of Oren made their charge from the front. Met with defeat in battle, the dwarves shamed and forced to retreat, planned for the imminent defence of Storm's Crossing.

When the hour was at its darkest for the sons of Urguan, something quite unusual occurred. Emperor Horen V, alongside the Order of the White Rose, abandoned Oren and traveled far into the north, for reasons that are still unknown to this day. With faith in its Empire shattered, human nobility was left in disarray. The Kingdom of Salvus defected to the Grand Kingdom of Urguan and once again, the Legion advanced, this time far into what was once the territory of the Holy Oren Empire. From there, Thorin delivered his ultimatum to the newly coronated, Emperor William III. Among his terms, he demanded that the empire be dissolved and Malinor granted its independence. Leading a nation, fractured by disunity and disloyalty, William surrendered Oren and accepted the terms of peace. Some did not accept his rule however and from the remnants of the Holy Oren Empire, the independent Kingdoms of Adunia and Savoie were formed, to add to the presently existing Kingdoms of Oren and Salvus. Eventually, every one of these Kingdoms pledged its loyalty to Thorin and the Grand Kingdom of Urguan, fearing that one would outdo the other if they did not. Hence the territories of the Grand Kingdom expanded, reaching their greatest whilst covering the Karakatuan Empire, the Kingdom of Oren, the Kingdom of Adunia, the Kingdom of Savoie, the Kingdom of Salvus, as well as previously held dwarven territories to the south. Most remained beneath dwarven rule until Thorin's death at the hands of the fallen Aengul, Ondnarch, the only exception being Salvus which later betrayed the dwarves and was destroyed by a joint force of dwarves and orcs. As the final order before his death, Thorin drew back on his previous policies that neared Imperialism and set the dwarves on a path to becoming far more isolated once more.

Upon Thorin's death by the fallen Aengul, Ondnarch, Dizzy Irongrinder was elected to power. However, due to a massive assault upon Kal'Azgoth by Ondnarch's minions, Dizzy was forced to abandon the city and relocate his kin to the captured fortress of Storm's Crossing which was subsequently developed into a city and renamed, Kal'Ithrun. Dizzy was eager to continue from Thorin's legacy and did his best to have the Grand Kingdom reside peacefully among the nations of Anthos. Meanwhile in Oren however, a new dynasty of Kings had taken power. House Carrion had outdone the rest of Oren nobility and set itself as the leading House of a new Kingdom of Oren. Initial relations with the Grand Kingdom of Urguan were hostile, as raids were sent between the two nations. Grand King Dizzy eventually opted to declare war, though no advances were made and there were ultimately very few hostilities until peace was eventually declared in the Treaty of Krelmstad. The Lord's Council later voted to remove Dizzy Irongrinder from power, resulting in the election of Grand King Indago Stormhammer. Though initially promising peace with Oren, Indago later approved of a motion that divided the Lord's Council, in a decision to break the treaty with Oren and invade human lands, assisting a rebellion from House Tarus. This proved to be a fatal error and the dwarves were battled back into their own lands. For a time, the war went cold and it appeared that hostilities may have come to an end. Upon the coronation of King Heinrik Carrion however, an advance was made by Oren into dwarven territories, immediately seizing the border fortress of Thoringrad. After the fall of Kal'Azgoth to Ondnarch and the threats from the north of both the United Anthos Coalition and the Black Scourge, the situation in Urguan had become very bleak indeed.

It was amid such turmoil however that the Grand Kingdom of Urguan once more found itself in a position to fight back. Refusing to surrender against the coalition that Oren had created, the dwarves were eventually able to push their foes back beyond the Cloud River, until a treaty of mutual peace was signed. However, the war had led to a mounting opposition movement from within the Grand Kingdom, hoping to either reform or completely remove the Articles of Urguan. It had steadily become apparent that the dwarven people had become divided by various allegiances, while the sense of unity that had existed for hundreds of years had slowly begun to diminish. Upon Indago's death, Wulfgar Grandaxe was subsequently elected to power, upon the back of the promise that he would show a greater restraint in dealing with Oren than his predecessors and that he would attempt to grant the clans a higher say within dwarven government. Shortly after he was coronated, he immediately set to work upon reclaiming dwarven lands, leading at the forefront of the assault upon Kal'Azgoth, in a final effort to slay the fallen Aengul, Ondnarch. It was there that a dwarf by the name of Igor Ireheart sacrificed his life to release the purified Aengul, Wyrvun, thus being named his hero among the halls of Khaz'A'Dentrumm. However, after years beneath Ondnarch's corruption, the great stone pillars that held up Kal'Azgoth had become unstable, posing potential dangers for any who lived beneath them. For that reason, Wulfgar concluded that the dwarves would continue living in Kal'Ithrun for the foreseeable future.

In attempting to reform the Grand Kingdom's government, Wulfgar signed into passing an amendment that established the first Clan Council of Urguan. However, prevented by the Lord's Council from granting it too many powers, it ultimately had fewer powers than originally desired but instead would prove to act as a stepping stone to what would eventually become something greater. In dealing with Urguan's foreign affairs, Wulfgar looked towards the dwarves' ancient enemies, the orcs. Beneath the leadership of a new Rex, Urik'Azog, he declared a defensive alliance between the Grand Kingdom of Urguan and the Rexdom of Krugmar that would prove strong in the years to come. Meanwhile in Oren, King Heinrik who had earlier supported a rebellion to overthrow the Holy Princedom of Malinor, now found himself facing a new enemy in those who had taken control of the elven nation, the Conclave of Malin. In what became known as the Teutonic Conspiracy, House Carrion claimed of a supposed plot by Mirtok DeNurem to slowly take control of each and every nation of Anthos, one by one. This was based upon the fact that both the rulers of Krugmar and the Conclave had originally been close advisers to Mirtok, though was more likely only inspired by fears that the former leader of the Teutonic Order, an old enemy of House Carrion, would try to forcibly take control of Oren. As a result of these tensions, the Oren military, acting on the orders of King Heinrik Carrion marched its army to the Conclave, where a conflict quickly broke out. The orcs who happened to be present at the time, subsequently called upon the dwarves to send aid, to which Grand King Wulfgar requested the leaders of each nation meet in Kal'Ithrun. Little progress was made however and Heinrik continued his accusation that the Teutonic Conspiracy was very much real.

The Fringe and Thales

As tensions continued to boil, Grand King Wulfgar led his people into the fringe, where he went on to establish the city of Kal'Arkon. For the first time, the dwarves lived alongside their old Alrasian enemies and also quite unusually, the Druids. As hostilities and border disagreements with Oren continued to rise, Wulfgar soon decided to sign the Treaty of Zion, thus extending his alliance with the orcs over Alras and the Conclave. Though he believed it would provide peace as Oren would not risk attacking one of its signatory nations, he found his decision backfired, when bannermen of House Carrion tried unsuccessfully to assassinate dwarven Lords. As outrage flooded the dwarven nation, Wulfgar offered King Heinrik a choice to stand down for the events he had set into motion by marching on the Conclave or else face imminent invasion. Heinrik refused the demand and once more, the Grand Kingdom of Urguan was forced to declare war upon Oren. Joined alongside it however, was the Rexdom of Krugmar, the Kingdom of Alras, and the Conclave of Malin. Though the war was long and bloody, Oren was eventually defeated in battle, and Heinrik slain by a volley of arrow fire. In the aftermath of their King's death, Oren's government quickly crumbled, the Lucienists and Decterum later rebelling and murdering Heinrik's successor, Franz-Joseph Carrion mere days after his coronation.

With the threat of Oren effectively over and the Grand Kingdom set upon the course towards further reforms, Wulfgar announced his intention to stand down from the Obsidian Throne, calling for the election of a suitable successor. Hogarth Irongut was subsequently elected to power and led peacefully in a short but stable reign. With House Carrion overthrown, a new government took control of Oren, led by House Chivay, the same House who had previously led the White Rose during the reign of Thorin. With Hogarth's departure, Vorstag Grandaxe, coincidentally the son of Wulfgar, succeeded him as Grand King of Urguan. His coronation came during a time of strife and confusion as the Empire of Oren launched an attack upon the Grand Kingdom of Urguan. Infuriated, Vorstag demanded answers immediately only for the Empire to forge lies in an attempt to frame the Grand Kingdom for starting a new war. Emperor Peter Chivay subsequently declared war on Urguan and once again, both nations marched to meet one another in battle. Additionally the High Elves of Haelun'or gave their support in assisting Oren, in what was known as the Crimson-Silver Concordat. In retaliation, Vorstag turned towards his father's old allies and together with the War-Nation of Krugmar, the Kingdom of Alras and the Princedom of Fenn, agreed to form the Krughanistan Bloc, an alliance created to fight back against Oren's aggression. In a war of two alliances, the Krughanistan Bloc, backed by its allies in the newly reformed Teutonic Order, slowly begun to take the fight back to Oren and Haelun'or.

For reasons of personal disagreement, Vorstag was later forced to stand down from the throne of Urguan and Midgor Ireheart subsequently assumed power. After years of continuous warfare, the Treaty of Thales was signed, declaring what was effectively white peace between both alliances. For the first time in many years, a prolonged and lasting peace had emerged at last. During this period, the Articles of Urguan were completely rewritten and redrafted, in order to provide clarity, as well as fix many of the problems that had been faced during the Second Grand Kingdom of Urguan. Thus the Grand Kingdom proceeded into a new phase, what was known as the Third Grand Kingdom of Urguan.

Athera

Shortly after arriving on the new continent of Athera and constructing the city of Kal'Agnar however, Midgor was removed from power by the newly formed, Thane's Council. This caused disagreement throughout Urguan, many feeling that the Grand King was only removed due to his attempts to stem power away from the ruling council. In Midgor's place, Fimlin Grandaxe, a former Thane and Lord himself, as well as a cousin of former Grand King, Wulfgar Grandaxe, was elected to power and assumed his title of Grand King upon the promise that he would once more restore stability and unity among the nation of dwarves.

The Town of Greyhaven is made a town officially under the Grand Kingdom of Urguan. The elven honorable dwarf, Kirrekith Grandaxe, is placed as the Jarl.

The Grand Kingdom of Urguan assists the Azog Clan to overthrow the current Rex, due to them being deemed incompetent of leading the Rexdom of Krugmar. Meanwhile notable clans grow back in power such as the Strongbrows and Doomforged. With the returning of multiple dwarven clans, the Grand Kingdom leads an expedition into the most ancient city of the dwarves - dating back to Urguan's days. Although the exploration took many casualties, the dwarves found a way to open the door into the room which kept Iblees trapped. Despite figuring this out quickly and closing the door, they were too late for someone nudges a lever that broke the seal, allowing Iblees to roam the lands again. Because of this, the capital of Kal'Agnar is attacked by an assault of undead minions. Though the dwarves successfully route the undead force, a drake bursts out from the portal with an aged dwarf in blue armor on its back. It is discovered the Paragon Urir Ireheart, who many thought died in the nether, had survives and escaped via the portal in which the attacking undead used.

The Grand King Fimlin gives out orders to banish all High Elves from the Grand Kingdom, and kill those who know the art of golemancy in order to solve the dwarven grudges concerning their knowing of golemancy. The Kingdom later joins in on the assult of Annil'Sul, the capital city of the High Elves. With the wood elves, orcs, and Aesterwaldians, they capture the city.

Focusing their attention on the undead, the Grand Kingdom attends a meeting of all nation leaders to discuss fighting Iblees. Later the Grand Kingdom marches alongside the armies of Krugmar and Oren to destroy an Undead-controlled tower in the southwest "shard". The mission is a success. After a raid on Kal'Agnar by the "Under-Kingdom", a rebelling force of Starbreakers, it's found that they had allied with the Ironborn and Undead, and planned to siege Kal'Agnar. Knowing this, Grand King Fimlin united leaders of major nations and guilds with the Treaty of the Sun's Smile in order to secure a win in the coming siege. Although, in the Ironborn Invasion the Ironborn Clan with the Iblees cultists defeat the combined forces of Athera, and bring the fall of Kal'Agnar. Many dwarves flee to Hiebenhall. Quickly, the Grand Kingdom unites the nations once again with the common goal of recapturing their city from the Undead. The desolated city of Kal'Agnar is demolished and purified by the Druidic Order. The city is renamed Kal'Karaad and construction begins. Grand King Fimlin Grandaxe is later removed from kingship after a vote is called by former Grand King Vorstag Ireheart.

Vorstag Ireheart wins the next election. dwarves debate whether to go to war against the Kingdom of Renatus or the Kingdom of Akovia. Grand King Vorstag is later slain in single combat by an undead by the name of "Dungrimm's Bane", who reclaim Urguan's armor in the fight. Zahrer Irongrinder wins the later election.

After retaking the Undead-ridden lands of Hanseti, the land is given to the Grandaxes where they found the hold of Kal'Bogrin

Grand King Zahrer Irongrinder declares war on the Kingdom of Akovia. One of the dwarves' most valuable allies, Aesterwald, collapses. The Duchy of Nerezza vassalizes under the Grand Kingdom of Urguan. Due to the attempted banishment of the Grandaxe Clan over the killing of an elf, Zahrer Irongrinder was forced to resign from kingship. Despite this, the Grandaxes start the Grand Exodus of the Grand Kingdom.

Hodir Doomforged becomes Grand King of Urguan in a landslide victory. The Reformed Kingdom of Oren declares war on the Grand Kingdom of Urguan, aiming to throwing them out of The North. In his first military battle, the Battle of Hiebenhall, Hodir Doomforged wins against Oren. This brings back dwarven nationalism. Despite this, the Grand Kingdom is still at a disadvantage against Oren. The Orcish Rex breaks an alliance with the dwarves, though pro-dwarven dwarves continue fighting with the Legion. The Jarldom of Polaris is established under the Grand Kingdom to act as a warfront against the nearby castle Drakenburgh and the City of Ayr. Ioannis Kommunis is declared the Jarl of Polaris. The Dwarven Legion marches to attack the Orenian holdings south of Polaris but are defeated in the Battle of Drakensburgh. The Orenian Navy quickly attack the Dwarven Navy, sinking the ships and drowning Grand King Hodir Doomforged.

Balek Irongut is nominated Grand King of the dwarves. The dwarven legion is later defeated at the Battle of Nerezza against the Reformed Kingdom of Urguan. Looking to peace, Balek Irongut has the Grandaxe Clan settle in the Kazradin Foothills in exchange for the right to negotiate terms with Kal'Bogrin as a factor. Peace is denied by Oren, and Hiebenhall is conquered overnight by Orenian armies. Despite marching upon the capital of Kal'Karaad, Oren backs out for unknown reasons. Peace is finally made, relinquishing all dwarven claims on the northern holdings and preventing any offensive wars started by the dwarves, as well as war reperations payed to the Kingdom of Oren. Meanwhile, Vrograk'Gorkil claims the title of Rex for himself once again, causing the dwarves and orcs to enter a collision course.

The newly forged Iron Uzg begins to invade the Grand Kingdom of Urguan. The Grand Kingdom loses in a skirmish outside the orcish swamps, allowing the Iron Uzg to slowly advance to Kal'Eknar, the newly made Grandaxe Village. The Iron Uzg sets up camp and begins to siege Kal'Eknar, but are defeated by a flank led by Agor Grandaxe and Vladovs - allowing the main force to charge. Grand King Balek and Rex Vrograk'Gorkil meet in Kal'Karaad and create the Horde of Iron and Fire, a Dwarf-Orc alliance. Athera is then attacked by large worms, forcing them to leave Athera with the rest of the mortal races.

Vailor

The dwarves of the Grand Kingdom of Urguan arrive on the Isles of Vailor during the year 1513. Led by Grand King Balek Irongut, construction begins on Kal'Akash, the city of metal. During construction, an ancient runic golem was found which dated back to Asulon. A giant who went by the name of Armin was also discovered, living on top of the mountain Kal'Akash was settled under. After a duel with the Grand Marshal Jorik Grandaxe, it became a quick ally.

Two years after settling Kal'Akash, the city has to defend from multiple bandit raids. The Legion's moral drops during these times, causing the first joint dwarf-orc military practice to correct problems in the legion and to increase morality. Thought to of corrected the issues in the legion, Grand King Balek Irongut sailed out to sea on the S.S. Irongutia to attempt to slay the Devourer. The ship is massacred and most dwarves die at sea, Balek Irongut was missing amongst the dwarves. As well, the Grand Marshal Jorik Grandaxe had been kidnapped by a mysterious clan known as the Sundur.

As the nation was in chaos, a new election for Grand King was taking place. The three main contenders were Skippy Irongut, Verthaik Frostbeard, and Lathros "Oilbeard" Irongrinder. After three days of tough campaigning, Skippy Irongut emerged as the Grand King of Urguan. Upset at the thought as Skippy as the Grand King, Verthaik Frostbeard along with the holds of Tal'Azwyr and Kal'Krest went against the Grand Kingdom in open rebellion. The rebellion was named the Mountain Monarchy, led by Verthaik and many other Frostbeards and Blackfists. The rebellion took part in many raids on the dwarven capital of Kal'Akash, but ultimately after a few stone weeks of fighting the rebellion was destroyed by the Legion in 1520. A year later, the Grand King Skippy Irongut finally has his coronation - delayed by fixing the mess the Mountain Monarchy had made.

A year after Grand King Skippy's coronation, mysterious entities attack Kal'Akash with the intent to destroy the city. Because of this new mysterious threat, and other worldly problems, Skippy Irongut and Caliph Faiz Kharadeen sign the Alliance of Sand and Stone, acting as an alliance between the Grand Kingdom and the Caliphate of Khalestine. At the same time, Grand King Skippy Irongut along with the Grand Prince of the Snow Elves help create the Southern Vailor Coalition; a short lasting coalition to secure the south, which worked well while it was around.

Upon the year 1525, the Grand King Skippy Irongut was assassinated by an assassin of Dark Elven race, who was found to be contracted by a dwarf still unknown to this day. Therefor, nominations for Grand King begin. Notable nominations include Uldar Irongut, Duren Hammerfist, and Demagol Doomforged. After months of campaigning, Uldar Irongut is crowned Grand King of the Dwarves. His reign was filled with questionable reforms, and after a couple of years of being Grand King, Uldar abandoned the Kingdom and illegally left Gauldrim Irongut as Lord Regent.

Gauldrim Irongut had attempted to split the Grand Kingdom into two separate nations and allowing every other settlement their independence from the Grand Kingdom. Every dwarf in Kal'Akash was against this, as they saw it as a way for the humans of Oren and the orcs of the Iron Uzg to claim their land and stormed the King's Palace and forcefully removed Gauldrim, now clanless. In his place, Midgor Ireheart was placed as Grand King without any opposition.

Midgor Ireheart is placed as Grand King of Urguan as no other dwarf ran against him in the election. Midgor Ireheart with the support of the dwarven people march to Felsen to demand Oren release their vassals and are denied. The reason for this happening is traced back to tensions between the dwarven people and the Orenians over the stone weeks following Uldar's abandoning of the Grand Kingdom.

The Holy Oren Empire declares war on the Grand Kingdom.

Oren wins initiative in the war, going on to conquer Rhewengrad though quickly being routed off the mainland by the Legion.

The Orenian Navy later sets its focus on the Island of Avar, conquering it after 3 battles - the last leaving the Orenian navy at 10 men.

The forces of Oren again attempt to invade the mainland and Manteiv Valley, assaulting the fortress of Kal'Ordholm. The human forces are routed from the field before they have a chance to scale the front walls.

Following the end of the war, Kardel Irongut is elected as Grand King. From the Obsidian Throne, he ushers in a new system of government for the Grand Kingdom and reigns peacefully throughout his time as Grand King. After falling ill, he steps down and leaves behind a legacy as one who would do whatever it took to keep the peace.

Grand King Kardel “The Neutral” Irongut falls ill and names Drynn Ireheart as his regent. Numerous public works projects are carried out to bring a new age of cultural development are carried out by the Regent.

In a unanimous nomination, the assembled senators elect Drynn Ireheart to be the next Grand King. He is later coronated with many notable guests including the Emperor of Oren and Faiz Kharadeen of Haria.

A creature of daemonic power known as the Dharok is freed from a seal beneath the capital. A consumer of holy relics, he is impervious to most conventional means of assault but is eventually slain by the Rune Lords, Zahrer Irongrinder and Yeulf Irongut, when he consumes a runic bomb disguised as a relic.

With the city in ruins following the assault of the Dharok, an infestation of silverfish, and the attack of an orcish spirit, the Dwarves flee the ruins of the south aboard the flagship of the Irongrinder Fleet, Da Kavir Kor. They take refuge for a time outside of the Cloud Temple before fleeing with the rest of the descendents through the spirit realm.

Axios

Under the reign of Grand King Drynn Ireheart, the Dwed settle in the new capital of Kal'Nikaer. Seeking a new ally for the times ahead, Grand King Drynn Ireheart turns to allies of old. A defensive treaty is signed with The Holy Orenian Empire, the first of its kind with the human nation since the First Great War in Anthos. Grand King Drynn Ireheart leads numerous expeditions into the Deeproads found beneath the city. In these trips, it is discovered that Feral Elf settlements still exist and that a celestial presence resides deep inside the Deeproads. Grand King Drynn Ireheart and Emperor John Owyn Horen form a blood pact between the Empire of Oren and the Grand Kingdom of Urguan. Grand King Drynn “The Peacemaker” Ireheart resigns from office after many stone months of reign and names Zahrer Irongrinder as the presiding official over the following election.

Torvin Grandaxe is elected by the Grand Kingdom of Urguan, continuing the tradition of inviting the Harian and Orenian royalty to his coronation. The Grand Kingdom of Urguan march to war against the Orcish nation alongside the Orenian Empire and her vassals, razing and destroying the Orcish Capitol. Grand King Torvin Grandaxe passes a bill through the senate to allow the senate the ability to choose the new Grand King of Urguan. The Grand Kingdom of Urguan marches alongside the Holy Orenian Empire against a coalition of Snow Elves, Orcs, and Dreadlander remnants. A swift victory is granted to the Grand Kingdom and the Empire, with the coalition forces quickly being defeated. Grand King Torvin Grandaxe is removed from the throne and Hogarth Irongut is appointed Lord Regent by the Senate of Hammers until a new Grand King is elected. After 2 stone weeks, Algoda Frostbeard is elected the new Grand King of Urguan.

After being elected Algoda Frostbeard led the dwarves to a new, grand city. Kal'Omith. It's size was overbearing and spread deep and vast within the mountains. It's name came from the great builder Omithel Strongbow himself. After erecting the kingdom a new spark lit among the dwed. Algoda is often heeded for his great success for reforming it's economy and bolstering it's militaristic strength. Algoda is credited with conceiving the Axionite Coalition, from it's creation to his death. Algoda Frostbeard, after reforming the Grand Kingdom, is arrested by Orenian forces in the town of Ostermark and executed.

The next stone day, Bastion Ireheart is elected Grand King of Urguan. With his sudden rise to power Bastion inherited the war against Oren, aligning himself with the Courland-lead Axionite Coalition. Bastion himself oversaw his forces with the Coalition find victory at the Battle of Goldfields, proving to be the killing blow against the Orenian Empire. Following the conclusion of the war, Bastion is credited with enacting numerous reforms, such being: a revision of the Articles of Urguan, Codex of Laws, re-establishing past guilds and improving the wealth of Urguan. After awaking from a coma he committed suicide, tumbling off the balcony of the King's Palace into the streets below

Following their independence from the Grand Kingdom of Urguan the Frostbeard Clan, alongside their Blackaxe allies swiftly shored up New Jornheim's defenses, where they set about creating the skeleton of a new Dwarven nation, one led by a sole Monarch and his line, and one that was independent of lethargy and blatant corruption. In 1626, with the Goldhand and Blackaxe Clan's present, the Kingdom of Kaz'Ulrah was created. A war is started by Verthaik II Frostbeard called the "War of the Beards". After five years of fighting Urguan surrenders to the Kingdom of Kaz'Ulrah in 1636.

Settlements

Aegis

• Kal'Urguan, the capital of the Grand Kingdom of Urguan during Aegis. Fell to the Undead between 1345 to 1350.
• Irongut Manor, manor of the Irongut clan. The manor sat directly outside the Kingdom of Alras. Fell to the Undead shortly after the Fall of Al'Khazar.
• Braveaxe Manor, manor of the Braveaxe clan (One half of the Grandaxe clan). The manor sat west of Kal'Urguan, somewhat close to Wrath's Clutch.

The Verge

• Tazarak, the joint dwarven-human-Alrasian colony in the Verge. Tazarak was a giant fortress that stretched across a giant mountain.

Asulon

• Kal'Karik, the capital of the Grand Kingdom of Urguan during early Asulon. Destroyed by Drakes and abandoned by the dwarves.
• Kal'Anart, a hold founded by the Grandaxe Clan under the rule of Lord Bazian Grandaxe.
• Kal'Alras, a hold founded by the Goldhand Clan under the rule of Lord Gulroid Goldhand.
• Kal'Dwain, a hold founded by the Irongut Clan under the rule of Lord Hiebe Irongut.
• The Goldhand Manor, the home of the Goldhand clan. It was rumored that the Goldhand Manor alone held more riches and gold than all of Asulon.

Anthos

• Kal'Azgoth, capital of the Grand Kingdom of Urguan during early Anthos. Fell to a massive assault by Ondnarch's minions.
• Kal'Ithrun, formerly Storm's Crossing, capital of the Grand Kingdom of Urguan after Kal'Azgoth.
• Vaerhaven, a dwarven hold.
• Brom'Krah, a hold which housed Adunians.

The Fringe

• Kal'Arkon, capital of the Grand Kingdom of Urguan during the Fringe.

Thales

• Kal'Klad, capital of the Grand Kingdom of Urguan during Thales.

Athera

• Kal'Agnar, the capital of the Grand Kingdom of Urguan during early Athera. Fell to an Undead siege.
• Hiebenhall, the hold of the Irongut clan. Fell to a suprise Orenian attack.
• Kal'Bogrin, the hold of the Grandaxe clan. Abandoned due to the Northern War.
• Kal'Karaad, the capital of the Grand Kingdom of Urguan. Revived city of Kal'Agnar.
• Kal'Eknar, the second hold of the Grandaxe clan.
• Kal'Ordholm, industrial city ran by the elven honorable dwarf Ioannis.

Vailor

• Kal'Akash, the first capital of the Grand Kingdom of Urguan during Vailor.
• Tal'Azwyr, the hold of the Frostbeards. The capital of the rebellious Mountain Monarchy for a time. Destroyed following Uldar Irongut's coronation.
• Kal'Valen, the hold of the Grandaxes.
• Kal'Khron, the hold of the Hammerfists. Destroyed following Uldar Irongut's coronation.
• Kal'Ordholm, the hold ruled by Ioannis. Home of the non-dwarves in Urguan.
• Kal'Krest, the hold of the Blackfists. The hold was aligned with the Mountain Monarchy during the First Frostbeard Rebellion.
• Kal'Nerroth, the second and final capital of the Grand Kingdom of Urguan before its destruction alongside the rest of Vailor.

Axios

• Kal'Omith, the capital of the Grand Kingdom of Urguan during Axios. Founded and established by Grand King Algoda Frostbeard
• Kal'Nikaer, the former capital of the Grand Kingdom of Urguan during Axios.
• Arcadia, the hold of Zahrer Irongrinder, home of the Runesmiths.
• Tal'Ardoth, the hold of the Crimson Edict.
• Tal'Azmar, the hold of the Grandaxe Clan
• Kal'Sitarae, the hold established by Frerir Irongrinder on the northren mountains of the dwarven lands.

Clans

Irongut

Irongut Clan is an elder clan. This clan is most notable for its line of ascended blood and accepted use of magic within the dwarven society. Since their creation in Aegis, the Ironguts had held much influence within the dwarven timeline, presenting their own grand kings multiple times. The Ironguts are also responsible for the creation of the Island Nation of Holm in Asulon - created due to the political disagreements between Grand King Thorik Grandaxe and Clan Father Hiebe Irongut.

Grandaxe

Grandaxe Clan is an elder clan. The Grandaxes are recognized for their contributions to the mountain dwarf culture and their long line of political dominance. Most tanned skin dwarves with fiery red beards can be categorized as Grandaxes, if not Irehearts. Most Grandaxe Grand Kings tend to rule with an ironfist and have unmatched determinacy.

Ireheart

Ireheart Clan is an elder clan. Known for their barbaric ways of battling, these dwarves specialize in the arts of combat. If you're a weak Ireheart, you are shunned from a young age, sometimes not even being considered an Ireheart. While some dwarves in other clans are known for their bravery, none could ever match the feats of an Ireheart. The Irehearts hold feats of being dragon slayers, banes of the Nether, and purifiers of the Aengul, Wyvrun).

Goldhand

Goldhand Clan is an elder clan. Often seen boasting their gold by using it as part of their fashion, the Goldhands are the best of the best merchants the Grand Kingdom has to offer. Their knowledge of prices of goods is unparalleled by any other, as this is the only thing they are taught, except with getting even with someone who did not complete their part of a deal.

Starbreaker

Starbreaker Clan is an elder clan. The Starbreakers are a clan of ashen skinned dwarves who are born with great blacksmithing capabilities. Along with being the best smiths in the Grand Kingdom, Starbreakers are responsible for the use of golemancy in the Kingdom - being the ones primarily responsible for the finding of golemancy. Although small in numbers, the Starbreaker clan is quite capable of being more of an influence in the Grand Kingdom based on their vast knowledge of golemancy and blacksmithing in general.

Treebeard

Treebeard Clan is an elder clan. Treebeards are the one forest dwarf clan within the Grand Kingdom of Urguan. Whilst their founding clan father felt as if he was not welcome in Urguan, modern day Treebeards celebrate their national pride with feasts lasting days. They live underground like most dwarves, but in more grovy locations, such as in a crevice of sorts. Their beards are unkept, with leaves and pine needles scattered inside of it. Similar to the Starbreakers, the Treebeards are quite small but hold much respect in the Grand Kingdom.

Doomforged

Doomforged Clan is a commoner clan. If you see a dark skinned dwarf walking around, you found the Doomforged. The Doomforged were created in Aegis after an Ireheart and a Dark Elf went at it - creating quite possibly one of the most influential non-elder clans there has ever been. Doomforged is known for their brilliant blacksmithing capabilities, along with their contributions to blacksmithing.

Irongrinder

Irongrinder Clan is a commoner clan. The Irongrinders are tough and intelligent dwarves. Many progressing quickly up the ladders of their respective fields. They are skilled in mercantilism, literacy, and combat of course. One of their main skills, however, resides in engineering and redstone. They have brownish-red hair, unusually tall for a dwarf. Their lineage has, unlike most commoner clans, had multiple Grand Kings in the past - Zahrer Irongrinder and Dizzy Irongrinder.

Hammerfist

Hammerfist Clan is a commoner clan. Although newer than the other clans, the Hammerfists have a deep sense of clan loyalty. They are a primarily mountain dwarven clan who accepts mostly any dwarf as kin. Despite being slandered for their newness, the Hammerfists stand strong as a well-populated clan amongst the dwarves of the Grand Kingdom of Urguan. They are a splinter clan of the Ironguts. The clan was disbaned in Vailor.

Tunnelsmasher

Tunnelsmasher Clan is a commoner clan. The Tunnelsmashers are a clan of cave dwarf descent, stemming from the Irongut Clan. They are known for their hard work, their clan father especially as he has been Yemekar's Pick of the Grand Kingdom once before. They raise fine miners and builders and build wonderful underground clan halls.

Oathcast

Oathcast Clan is a former commoner clan. They were known for their high level of intelligence and dishonorable acts within the Dwarves. Yet undeniably the Oathcasts have contributed greatly to the art of runesmithing and the dwarven religion of the Brathmordakin. Oathcast followed a strict philosophy of sorts, sometimes going as far as self-exiling themselves from the Grand Kingdom when faced with disagreements with it.

Emberhorn

Emberhorn Clan is a commoner clan. They are a newly arrived clan, arriving in Axios from far-off lands to rejoin their dwedmar bretheren. They are steadfastly loyal to the Grand Kingdom, and are known for their skill at mercantilism, weaving and toy making. They are also, famously, quite adept at taming and riding woolly mountain goats- it is from these animals that they take their symbol, which is a golden ram's head upon a field of verdure.

Stonemace

Stonemace Clan is a commoner clan. The Stonemace clan, which is one of the newest Dwarven clans that are around, are of Mountain Dwarf descent, their roots heading back all the way to the Frostbeard clan from their founder Throri 'Warmheart' Stonemace, formerly Frostbeard. They are known for their up most loyalty to the Grand King and his Kingdom as well as being skilled as miners and blacksmiths.

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Culture

Society

Dwarven Society can be seen as very different from other kingdom's societies. Dwarves often always settle deep underground, or on the heights of great mountains. They follow a political system of the Grand King having the up most power, and advised by the Senate of Hammers. The Grand King can be removed from power if he is found to be abusing his position given by Yemekar by 80% of the Senate of Hammers. Outside of politics, dwarven society is dominated by males, with few females being seen. They are so rare, some say they grow beards of their own and hide amongst the ranks of male dwarves. Many dwarves tend to be racists, seeing other races as imperfect, as in the Brathmordakin it is stated that they are the perfect race created by Yemekar, the Creator. Though, non-dwarves can become honorary dwarves through contribution to the Grand Kingdom of Urguan.

Magical Arts

Some people may think of the dwarves as a magically inept race, though this is quite the opposite. The dwarves have developed and harbored two unique kinds of magic over the course of their creation, golemancy and runesmithing.

Locations of Axios Tahn Holy Orenian Empire Adelburg Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska Alban · Rytsburg · Metterden · Serpentstone · Voron · Kovagrad Kingdom of Lotharingia Metz · Chambery · Krakow · Ponce Kingdom of Norland Vjorhelm Kingdom of Kaz'Ulrah Jornheim · New Jornheim Dominion of Malin Linandria · Ker'nor · Norseth'onn Silver State of Haelun'or Taliyna'maehr Warhawke Chiefdom Leyu'celia War Nation of Krugmar San'Torr Asul Kingdom of Santegia Veldin · Mystra · Asterleigh · Aleksandria Sultanate of Haria Al'Khaleed Ceru Federation of Sutica Sutica · Reedsborough · Caligo · Karak'Tuum · Mokh Ilzggul Princedom of Fenn Citadel of Acael