Katos

### Location

To the North of Mainland Bacland, average of 5 days from The Northern city of Port Glea or loosefoot.

## Intro

Often called the little brother of the Northern Pact, Katos is the largest home of the dwarves outside the north. However, there is also a large population of Minotaurs, Goliath, Shifters and Humans. It uniquely has no Traditional Elven cities, unlike the other states of Bacland.

They are officially aligned with mainland Bacland, however, they are for the most part an independent state. Historically Katos has fllittered between Bacland and the North, However since 16,104 It has remained in a relative stable situation with Bacland, giving many of the dwarves there a unique cultural identity to the dwarves of the north.

## Climate, Culture, Demographics, Economy, International Relations.

The Dwarves of Katos enjoy a more seasonal climate than the Northern Pacts constant snow. The Dögul Woods, White Axe and northern isles see a near year round snow, With the City of Norðurstig in particular known for having summer snows practically every year. While it is more hospitable than the north the Island is still notably colder than mainland Bacland, quite possible a reason that the thinner bodied elves never settled there.

Katos is warming in not only climate but also people. While not evil, the dwarves of the Northern Pact are cold and isolationist in nature. Conversely, the dwarves of Katos are considerably more open to the rest of Randore, The city of Hegwin for instance has a long standing trade relationship with Eastern Downs, that allows the island to trade with not only the rest of mainland Bacland but also the rest of Randore, this strong economic tie has mean that the two state are strong allies to each-other.

In times of old they was much divide between not only the ruling clans, but also the people as a who weather Katos should remain with the Frozen Empire (the modern day Northern Pact), ally with Bacland, or attempt independence. However around the time that the Frozen Throne was shattered Katos was forced to draw their alliances. They chose to come to Bacland as a nation state. Over the last 4,000 years the clans have becoming increasingly more warm blooded to each other, Causing a sharp decline in war. Now days living in Katos is seen very much as a unifying experience rather than something the clans fought to define.

## Politics & the Six Grand Clans.

Katos is managed by six great dwarf clans. Clans being groups of families who historically shared similar goals. These Six Families control sections of the state, however unlike The Northern Pact the families generally consult each other on matters and have a more overall positive relationship.

### Clan Skep

Probably the richest clan of the six. The Clan of Skep Has strong ties to the Eastern Valley in Bacland, a trade deal that has made them very wealthy in the last 500 years. They also host the capital city of Östenloss, without doubt one of the wonders of the world.

Clan Skep has a longstanding feud with Clans Skjöldur and Hravindur. Both being economic competitors.

The Forbearers of the families made their fortune growing grains and livestock in the Austurväl, as well as mining the Fortahills and selling their foods and grain to the rest of Katos. A short time before the Frozen empire collapsed a branch of family from the northern Clan of Molōn came to Katos and formed together with the Skerrion families and forged together Clan Skep as it is today.

The head of Clan Skep currently is Madam Finellen Lodor-Skep (Commonly refurred to as Madam Skep), a dwarven woman of over 430 years old. She was a famed fighter in her time, but those days are behind her. She is head of the council of clans, and known for her sharp strategy, self confidence and unyielding attitude.

### Harvindur Congregate

The Clan of Harvindur Consider themselves descended form royalty. To some degree they are right, Having a family coming from three of the High Kings of Katos old. While technically an alliance of three smaller clans, Harvindur make up 5 out of the 8 seats in the capital of Ekkih Mün. With lessor families Welstig having two and Brassbor only controlling one. Clan Harvindur belied for a long time that they should be the dominant power in Katos. This self-righteous attitude and desire to 'restore' their status served them well in times of war, but over the last few hundred years they have gone through somewhat of an identity shift. While they gained much through martial prowess in times past they are now more of an economic and mining power.

Since moving away from their previous aim of controlling Katos through martial powers they have since grown to align themselves with the church of light. This has resulted in the churches resent interest in placing a Cardinal in Ekkih Mün. This interest is an unusual move for a dwarven clan who usually stay clear of The Church, who usually follow the traditional Dwarven Patron, Archangel Moradin and his associate church, if they have any formal religion at all.

Along with Mining and religion the main dealings of clan Harvindur is in direct trade with the Dwarvish 'outpost' of Berrivak in Kruso. Having frequent trade of goods, ideas, and peoples with the (admittedly small) dwarven population in Kruso. This is likely where the Church of Lights influence has come from.

Harvindur is not official run by any one person or group, but the Family of Harvindur has become synonimus with the members of the council of Ekkih Mün, so it could be said they call the shots. Otherwise the Jarls meet every few months to disuses matters.

### Clan Vikneg.

Most like their Northern ancestors, The families of clan Vikneg are quite content to ignore and be ignored by the rest of the clans. Their icy home is rarely under threat, as few would try to take control of the region. Much of the clans land is made up of the Dögul Woods, home to a large shifter population.

They are also unique in being one of the few clans to have a number of Minitour families 'at the table' of clan meetings. Which has lost them a deal of respect from some of the more traditional Dwarven clans, but allowed them to create one of the most harmonious environments in Katos. Though if you ask them it's more because it too cold for most humans to live there.

Clan Vikneg, particularly the Coldfist Family are one of the few who directly trade with the dwarves of the Northern Pact. The Clan has an informal alliance with Clan ValyenĴart of the North, both families helping each-other out on numerous occasions.

The Clan themselves have existed in one form or another for the longest time out of any of the current six head clans. Much like the snows of their home they tend to stick around. In the old days of Clan wars, The Hravindur Congrigate made many attempts to take control of the southerly parts of the Dögul Woods, but were almost always held off until winter, at which point they had to return home.

Jarl Banain Graybelt-Coldfist, is the head of the Vikneg clan, though he is known for listening to his council of families.

### House Karniph

An offshoot of Clan Vikneg, the family of Karniph decided to manage their own affairs and pay a tribute to their forbearing clan for 700 years. With their debt payed, they came to become House Karniph. They have had a long grudge against the Silverearth Clan, even listing them as one of the main reasons for having split from Clan Vikneg. For a long time this was war, but now comes across as mostly just cold animosity.

They are a small clan, but gained a degree of stability and control then they founded a rich Adamantine mine, deep under the Citadel of Grämdrin. This has made the city a much faught over local, however for the most part House Karniph has held onto their money bag.

House Karniph is run by three children of the Hardhelm family; Dainan, Loinarv and Umrag. They pride themselves on being descended from Miners, however non of their blood have touch a pick for 5 generations at least.

### Clan Skjöldur

Known for their seafaring skill, and near unapparelled skill with metal work. Home to the world famous forges of Fiery Depths, it is often remarked the Skjöldur clan families are born with a hammer in their hands. At least by those who live within the domain of Clan Skjöldur.

They have historically had conflict with Clan Skep over the Dilapidated Mountains that both clans own mines on. Which are used both by Clan Skjöldur themselves and sold to the north and Underdark residence.

In resent years Clan Skjöldur has been victim to a great deal of internal conflict. Leading to no clear leader.

### Silverearth Union

Formed from the clans of Silvershield and Earthturner shortly after the Bacland Civil War began the Silverearth union is a powerhouse. Having both the Hjarta moutains and the Forrest of Thieves, The family of Silvershield are powerful mages, and it is thought that there were responsible for the demolition of the Citadel of Virigg, however no proof has ever been found. The Clan is looked upon with much suspicion by the rest of Katos, however their wealth power makes it difficult to do anything about them outright.

The Silverearth Union is governed by a married pare from one of each of the original two clans. They are more or less elected by the senior members of the key families to the clan. The two then take on the name of Silverearth and their children are nor traditionally chosen for the roll. Current clan head Gili caused great controversy when he came to run things with Friagal, despite being the son of the last clan head.

## Locations

Katos is a large state, around 560 miles (900 Km) from West to East, and 340 miles (550 Km) from North to South (on the West side), it has an area of 950,00 square miles (250,000 square Km) or somewhere between the size of the United Kingdom and New Zealand.

### Capital Citadels

**Östenloss** - The Capital City of Katos. It is a great city, truly huge in size. It incredibly dense, with buildings stacked on top of each other crawling high into the sky. Along five edges of the city are great support pillars, angling up to create a huge mountain of a stronghold that is suspended over the ground city. This is known as Stjarna Nŷsköpunar, the Star of Innovation. As well as housing the more wealthy citizens of Östenloss it also holds great factories and institutions of invention. The Tinkerers Guild is hosted here, as is the Crafters Alliance and the Order of Artificers. This is the city that many technological inventions take place, as well as the primary factory for warforged.

In the lower sections of the city, residence go without seeing the sky as they look up at the citadel suspended above them. Great flying ships and platform lifts transport some from the ground to the upper levels, while others travel to the edge of the city to clime the hundreds of steps around the great Adamantine enforced supports.

This is the meeting place of the six Clans when it is needed, though the Citadel itself is under the control of Clan Skep, specifically Rorrcon Lodor-Skep eldest living son of Madam Skep, who also lives in the Citadel. To the residence of the capital, Its no secret or surprise that Rorrcon is little more than a mouth peace for Madam Skep.

**Jhinnvin** - The Centre of power for Clan Skjöldur. A Famous port city of a number of skilled shipwrights and companies. Built into the side of a great fjord, a gully carved by ancient ice movements. There are a great many bridges spanning the gap, as well as entire streets built out from the edge of the sheer cliff face.

A vast open series of sea level caves allows for trade with merchant vessels.

**Höfuðborg** - The Green Capital. Built into the side of a mountain with an thick Forrest surrounding it at the front and Miles of solid Mountain on the other, it has never been captured. built on the top of ancient ruins from a much older site, the front face is overgrown with vertical gardens. The stone in the mountains it is built form are particularly hard, allowing for some creative designs.

In the centre of the Citadels front wall is an enormous gate, with what could be the largest portcullis in Randore kept hanging by mighty chains. On top of the gate are two Giant Stone Golems, present since the cities inception. It is said they will come to life to defend the city in its moment of need.

Home to the new Silvereath Union, and historic seat of Clan Earthturner. Running deep into the mountains and far underground are a maze of secret tunnels and long abandoned mines, as well as several active ones.

**Ustarprin** - The Smallest Capital, as well as one of the least concerned of by the other clans. They are one of only two capitals to have lifts traveling all the way to the Underdark.

Home of the South Temple of Moradin, It is a seat of power for the Order of Moradin, who hold little power now, but in their hey-day once held half of Katos in the palm of their hands. The Temple is a monument to the decadence the order once had. Other unique features of the citadel are a 'Goliath town' and an incredible amount of beggars who are born, live and die in the deep mines.

Home to the small family of House Karniph. In the last 20 years the Citadel has started selling off criminals as slaves to the Drow. A widely unfavourable move, that has called them under fire from some of the other houses.

**Ekkih Mün** - The second largest Citadel of Katos, and the other capital home to a lift down to the Underdark. Ekkih Mün is known for it's unique presence of the Church of light, who have been in a political dick measuring contest with the local leaders known as the Raðið, a panel of 8 officials elected by the Clans Harvindur, Welstig, and Brassbor. The head of the council, voted by the residence of Ekkih Mün, is Achin Brassbor. He is a champion of the people, and generally disliked by the Church of Light.

The Citadel itself is set 200ft below the surrounding terrain, Made from an old open ground quarry. The Material removed forms a wall 6 miles outside the city, patrolled at all times. The only way into and out of the city is through the Lift on the western edge. Or by scaling the inner walls and traversing 240ft of sheer drop into the Citadel. The River Mündas that travels through the town is suspended high above over a serious of aqueducts, that disperse water to the city. The banks of which are lined with turning wheels, to power the Lifts both in and out of the city, and also deep down to the Underdark.

The aqueducts are only slightly thinner than the river, allowing all but the very largest of sea vestal to pass, while also directing some of the water to form a 70ft wide moat around the citadel. Over time a number of Human villages have sprung up around the Citadel, which benefit form the trade of passing ships.

**Norðurstig** - Otherwise known as North Keep, Norðurstig is a very old place, with high towers and long settled white snows surrounding it. When the Citadel was first built, it was thought it would become the capital, while this didn't work out when the Katos dwarves collectedly decided the living outside of constant snowfall was not actually a death sentence, the Citadel has a grand feel to it, vaulted rooftops, stained glass windows that chronical the history of the dwarves line the famous Hall of Stories.

Norðurstig has one of the largest urban populations of both shifters and minitour, giving it a diverse and mixed cultural landscape. Many famous figures hail form Norðurstig, including; Strongwolf famed goliath pirate, Duke Amas Nalllithe - first shifter to be elected mayor of a major city, Boot McPant Lord of the Drums, and countless others. The city is also home to the Barentine Brewery, producers of what is called by many; the finest Mead in the North.

The city is overseen by Jarl Banain Coldfist, and his council members. The council are a somewhat mysterious and secretive group, chosen by the Jarl and include Sarrion Grundy - Known Minitour Warlock, Harriot Varrno a shifter oracle of some repute and the Brothers Oarse, twin dwarves from a powerful shipping company.

### Other Cities

The Dwarvenclans tipically have a governor present at each of the major towns within their families influence, they run in a role similar to the towns steward and collect the appropriate taxes from the town to be giving to the dwarven clans. In return, the dwarves ensure the towns are fed throughout and have access to shelter in harsher Winters.

**Rainrock** - Sometimes called The Belly of Katos, Rainrock is situated in the perfect place to become a booming market and trade centre. It also sits at the opportune position to be competed over by both Clans Silverearth and Skep, a fact that the Green Lords have historically used to get lower tax rates and favourable treatment from both clans. The Green Lords are the family of wealthy Dwarvish traders and merchants who have ruled the city since they baught the very land it stands upon from the Governors family back in 19,347. The Green Lords are an offshoot of Clan Greenboot who have historically been involved in the Merchants guild.

**Farvegur** - A Great mine of antiquity, since thought to be dried up. The Town is currently having a new Citadel built out of the shell of the old mine. In addition to this the current mayor, Laila Biggs is in a dispute with the Silverearth Family as to how the city will be run. This particular argument has been going through long and tedious discussions for the last 4 years. Laila in determined to keep the current (mostly) democratic processes of Farvegur in tact, while the Silverearth clan offer tempting trade benefits and other opportunities in exchange for the clan managing the city, as is the dwarven way. Because of this conflict the town has had something of a trade embargo against clan Silverearth placed upon it on and off for the last 3 years, leading to it looking more than a little run down. While they have still been able to make do with trades form Rainrock and other clan settlements, it has still worn some of the towns residence thin.

**Muirhirst** - Located along the Renntaustur River, Muirhirst is home of the Muirverst graveyard and the Congregate of Myrkul, Fiend of death. The openness of a demonic order has caused a deal attention from the Church of light, however it is too far removed form their sphere of influence for them to do much about it. The Jarls of old are often buried in Muriverst graveyard.

**Graphonor** - Built along the side of the same cliff as Sættmet, the are built around the edge of a great lake filled by a waterfall that exits the Citadel above. This causes some issues for the town as Sættmet uses this river in mining, creating a deal of dirt and pollutants to run down to Graphonor. Manny locals susspect that the mayor, William farway is taking money from the Garnet guardians (local mining guild).

**Achdin** - An Independent city, run by Tyrannical Clan Shattercoal. Like the rest of the Isle of Modesty they are a secretive and fiercely independent group known for producing a number of dark mages. There was a time when it was feared the Shattercoal clan would take over more of the Northern isles. It became quickly apparent that their interest lay more in burrowing down to the Underdark. They are thought to be around 3/4 of the way complete on a tunnel to the underdark. The city itself is built around this tunnel, in the place where a temple of Moradin once stood. While they are fiercely independent they will still engage in trade with those not affiliated with one of the six head Dwarven Clans.

**Fundarstaður** - Placed on the border of Clans Silverearth and Karniph, Fundarstaður was historically a neutral zone and meeting place for the many attempted peace talks between the two clans (then called Karnion and Earthturner). It is a trade hub for the west of Katos and a beautiful place for a get away. Many great poets have spoken of the beauty of the city, with mountains off to the South-West, and the sea side Morganis Fjord only 8 miles away, and with frequent carriage rides to and from. It is a common retreated for artists and poets.

**Vatnside** - The town on the lake, Built during a particularly dry time, eventually the rains returned and flooded the town. Rather than moving the town the residence built it up, added some waterproofing and now live half on the sure, half on the lake. The mayor is a minitour woman by the name of Raisha, and it is known for hosting a great many tournaments.

**Fiskiskür** - Another lake side town, however this one stays very much on the shore. There is a small subgroup of woodelves who make their home here. As well as what fish they can pull form the lake, Fiskiskür are known for their flour arraignments, creating both beautiful displays and powerful dried alchemical ingredients. The city is home to Bamons; one of the few collages focussed specifically to the practices of alchemy and also credited for the invention of the Eversmoaking bottle.

#### Dwarven Citadels

**Silverhearth** - Unsurprisingly built over a gargantuan silver mine, Silverhearth is the assessorial home of the Silvershield clan, and the one of the Randore Mints, creating coins when it is deemed needed by the Six Head Clans, or when commissioned by another nation. The Citadel itself appears small, mostly being designed to look the surrounding mountain. They have had a long and bloody war with the Hobgoblins of the Forrest of Thieves for many years.

**Fæturn** - Largely built underground, Fæturn is home to a large population of Drow and deep gnomes. Unlike most Fæturn welcoms defectors from the Drow Empire, should they be willing to travel up to the light. The citadel is also built above an ancient highway, running all the way form the Deep-dark to the surface, while it is not a motorised lift like many others, it is still possible to travel. Legend says it was created when the demon Baal broke from his chains and crawled his way back to the surface. Boulders of bedrock ranging form large stones to small mountains have been found around the Isle of Adal.

**Skimiður** - The seat of the finest smithing in the North, Possibly Randore. Deep under the city main, in the Mid-dark lay the Forges of Fiery Depths. They use a natural lava pool that legend claims holds the blood of two ancient Red Dragons that once fought over the pool. The Forges themselves occur at a natural Lava-fall, and are suspended above a pool of the molten rock. The Lava is collected and used to heat the forges allowing them to work with some of the hottest of metals.

There is also a great pool of Ice water that the forges draw form, this is used to both cool the weapons and power a great lift system that the city uses to travel from the surface down to the Mid-dark. This particular lift one has a gargantuan central lift, as well as many around the edges that transport both goods and people.

Because Skimidur is built on the side of a great fjord, effectively on raw cliff face, there is little room for docking. To compensate for this, ships that dock at the base of Skimidur are hoisted up using a serious of pullies and cranes into the Hanging docs. Multiple levels of docks and runways, built onto the side of the cliff face. There are many caves and inlets that ships are sometimes bought in and set down. Only the most high status ships are lifted all way up hundreds of feet to the top docks.

**Hegwin** - A Large trade centre and growing ally to Eastern Downs, the city of Hegwin has long been the export hub of Katos, However the modern free trade agreement signed by Salaman Greyfield has allowed the Citadel to grow both in economy and physical size. The Citadel is built on the underside of a mountain, with low wide tunnels dug out to the south, allowing sunlight into the edges of the complex.

Home to The Athenaeum Arcania, one of the most modern Magical learning institutions. It is host a great library and source of many great mages of our modern time. While they have records dating back to many year ago, the Academy is only 120 years old. Much of its stock is taken from the old Tellbassian in the now ruins of Virigg. The Athenaeum is a great tower, levitating in place above the city, connected by a great wooden stair system to both the ground level and the upper Citadel. The Citadel itself is carved into a partly hollowed out mountain, with the bulk of the ground city resting in a hollowed section underneath the mountain, in what was a huge waterlogged cave, but has been opened to allow access to the outer sea. It sits at water level, and below hundreds of tons of mountain.

**Grämdrin** -after it was discovered that it had been built on a rich an Adamantine reserve, Having been the site of many battles It is surrounded by many ruined forts and broken trenches and other military fortifications.

**Hold Khraa** - Built over a portal to the nine hells that endures deep underground. Home to the Hammers of Moradin, an ancient order of Fiend hunters who seek to ride Randore of their vial presence. The Hold itself is probably the safest place to hide form a fiend in several thousand miles. The entire building is covered in runes and protection wards. The surrounding city is a commonplace for adventure to come who look to be paladins but do not wish to be associated with the Brotherhood of Light.

**Spörfugl** & **Krænn** - Two interconnected cities, both bustling mine towns. A long tunnel connects the two, created after the miners stumbled upon either ends of a vast cave network in the middle of the mine. However, this has been both a blessing and a curse as the tunnels have a known undead problem, leading to their name of the Skullway tunnel.

**Klübbur** - Home to two competing shipwrights guilds, both determined to out do each other. The Traditionalist Oak Oceanics, and the innovative Maple Raftery.

**Thundersteel** - Built next to the discarded forge of a thunder giant.

### Towns & Villages

There are many scattered Towns & Villages that exist in the quiet parts of Katos, they are mostly free from the dwarves tariffs and taxes, so long as they keep to themselves.

### Islands

**Ahknûr** - Known to be home to the feared Black Dragon Savart Moro and her brood.

**Modesty** - An island control by the independent an fearsome clan Shattercoal, Those who venture there are treated with great suspicion.

**Adal (C. & W. & E. )** - A Group of islands run by a branch of the Skjöldur who are active passivists, the Adal Isles are known for taking on Drow refugees and defectors.

**Hopskip** - a tiny Island littered with dungeons and ancient states of long dead heroes. It is assumed one of the ancestors of Clan Skjöldur created them, but who is lost to time.

**Rennt** - a forested island, home to almost exclusively the Renntari Shifters.

**Vēnnchi** - a small island off the coast of West Katos, after being prophesised to be the birth of the greatest lich of out age all magic was banned with its shores.

**Dōka** - The north most island. Home to the Dōka observatory.

### Landmarks

**Margio Monestary** - Home to the Margio Monks, an order of fierce martial artists who train in the Bleack moutain sides to the south-west of Krænn. To achive a rank of master they are said to have to punch 30 boulders in half, and survive a week in the cold harsh mountains air with nothing but the water of the snow, and a single dandelion flower for sustenance.

**The Ruins of Virigg** - Virigg was a up and coming citadel under the control of House Skep. However one night it was besieged by undead skeletons and lost. The very foundations of the structure were raised to the ground, and the entire base abandoned to ruin. It is thought by some that mages of the Silverearth Union were behind this attack, however no proof has ever been found.

**St. Ithica's** - One of the most northern churches of the Church of Light, who are generally shunned in the Northern Cap. Ithica was the angle guardian of the water, and the nearby fishing town of Grum offer regular donations of their catch to ask for Ithica's blessing. Reports of the lord of the Adal regularly enjoying cheap fish are *entirely* unfounded.

**Austvakt** - Austvakt prison is the last place anyone from the North wants to find themselves. Built on a pillar of rock 40m out from the steep Austurväl cliffs, its only entrance point is a single stone bridge. It houses the worst prisoners from Katos, as well as Mainland Bacland and Vardon and the Northern Cap.

**The Loose Belt** - an old wall, from when the clans of Kummic and Drissnic once controlled the area. It was for a long time considered simple a pain to tare down, but now is though of by some as an endearing landmark. Many couples who pass through carve their names into the stone, creating a great tapestry of names; some relationships no doubt long ended, but other still strong as the stone they rest in.