Beln

*"Dogbarrow is a moderately sized garrison settlement in the foothills of the Ironblood peaks. A palisade surrounds the settlement. The surrounding landscape consists of thick, tall yellow grass interspersed by deep red and orange stained rocks cut through by iron deposits which protrude jaggedly from the earth, pushed up over millennia of tectonic activity. The houses are all hewn from light grey stone and have yellow tiled roofs. There are many statues of dogs around the settlement, namely in the market square and graveyard. Dogbarrow is an excellent showcase of Belnish culture. The residents of this settlement have a certain fondness for dogs that traces back hundreds of years. There is said to be a black dog spirit that haunts the mountains and fields around Dogbarrow, which leads the spirits of humanoids and dogs alike to the afterlife. This spirit, lovingly named Grynir, is not said to be affiliated with Kelemvor, Urugalon, or any other god of death. The Mayor, Bhalmor Bunbrek, served in the Belnish army. His great-grandmother fought in the battle of Usmad. Both are noted as great soldiers. In Dogbarrow, the Day of Ribbons is celebrated. It is an annual occasion where beautiful ribbons are tied to posts all over town. When asked why, people only give a somber look. Nobody speaks about it, giving the impression that it’s disrespectful and insulting to do so." - Komuruk Murat's Compendium of Elarian Cultures*

*The largest surviving Dwarvish nation on Ceacleth, Beln is a proud country.*

*The capital city of Beln is Kher Todir.*

#### **Location and Climate**

Beln is one of the centermost provinces, bordering four other provinces as well as the sea. The climate is moderate to cool, and slightly arid. It is cold in the mountains year round. On the western coast and the Red Bay, the weather is very similar to that of Azos’ Northern Coast. The northern half of this province is almost entirely grasslands.

#### **Races**

Beln is near exclusively populated by Dwarves and Halflings. Humans are uncommon and Elves are seen as cultural outliers.

#### **Industries and Exports**

Beln is known for having the most successful mining industry on the continent. The combination of mountains rich in minerals and high concentration of Dwarvish workers, who are known for their innate mining abilities, led this industry to flourish.

### **Imports**

The most imported goods to Beln are lumber, as the region is generally void of trees, and mead from the north, as that is a cultural staple for the Dwarves.

#### **History and Culture**

The Belnish are a proud and headstrong people. They have an innate talent for mining and an innate love for booze. Their stonework and metalcraft are the best on Ceacleth. The Belnish Dwarves have immense respect for the dead, as well.

#### **War of Alabaster**

Eight centuries prior to the present day, the Dwarves dwelled in the Varenmouth Peaks, further north than the location of present day Thel Asari. This province was called Nen Tharim. The Elves and Tieflings who lived on the northwestern tip of the continent coexisted with the Dwarves, until coming fully into their worship of Solariel. Believing in a divine right to the lands that are present day Hallume, the worshippers of Solariel purged the Dwarves from the Varenmouth Peaks and drove them southward in a massive exodus. Thousands of Dwarves were slaughtered, and the city of Usmad was razed by the invading Hallume. The Hallume were unable to remove the Dwarves residing in Iodrok. This is known as the War of Alabaster. There is still lingering enmity between the Hallume and the Belnish and Iodrokese Dwarves because of this.

#### **Holidays**

The Day of Bones is an ancient Belnish tradition.

#### **Government**

The current Belnish King is a Dwarf named Almuth Ironblood. His brother, Medronn Goldhammer is the King of Iodrok. His third brother, the former King of the Fallen City of Usmad, named Dwesik Silverbeard was killed defending his city during the War of Alabaster. Even after Dwesik’s passing, Almuth and Medronn still hold claim to the title of the Dwarvish Kings. The Dwarvish Gods Tyr, Helm, and Kelemvor blessed Almuth and Medronn with everlasting life until the Hallume see justice for the Dwarves that were slaughtered.

#### **Clans**

While Beln is scattered with hundreds of clans, the Ironblood, Goldhammer, and Silverbeard clans hold the most sway, as they are the Clans of the Kings. Many members of these clans hold high political positions. The Goldhammer clan is the largest, followed by the Ironbloods. During the War of Alabaster, the Silverbeard clan was almost completely wiped out. Both Beln and Iodrok are occupied and led by these clans.

#### **Religion**

While many clans worship different deities, the Clans of the Kings all worship three respective gods. Tyr, the God of Justice, for the Ironbloods, Helm, the God of Protection, for the Goldhammers, and Kelemvor, the God of the Dead, for the Silverbeards.

#### **Weapons and Armor**

Most Belnish guards wear plate armor and tabards, and are equipped with whichever weapon they are most skilled in.