The Vydren Holds

**\*Notice: The information presented on this page refers to the state of the Vydren Holds up to the year 1953 AoD\***

The Vydren Holds refer to the political entities that govern the dwarven holds found beneath the Kolskeggr and Aosh mountain ranges. The holds were established during the Age of Strife and were the central base of operations for the majority of the ancient dwarven empire's artisan and inventors' guilds. These holds would later be isolated from the empire's heartlands beneath the Obsidian mountains during the First Everblight. This isolation led to the holds asserting their independence under the leadership of Guildmaster Barlan, who later became known as High King Barlan Varen, when the Vydren Holds were established as an independent dwarven nation.

## Description

The Vydren Holds gained their independence from the Obsidian Holds during and after the First Everblight (520 AoD - 540 AoD), a host of demonkin invaded the dwarven roads that unite the various holds. These demonkin infested the roads even after the Everblight, making contact between distant holds nearly impossible and isolating many of the distant holds from the dwarven empire's heartlands. Finding themselves cut off from the Obsidian Holds the holds beneath the Pyrean Westerlands established themselves as an independent nation under the rulership of High King Barlan Varen. Thanks to the help of the Draconic Empire, the dwarves managed to clear out many of the Dwarven Roads, leading to a period of resurgence for the Obsidian Holds and reconnecting the two nations. This led to a period of political turbulence between the two nations as the Obsidian Holds expected the Vydren Holds to once more swear their fealty to the Obsidian Throne. This almost erupted into open war but thanks to the intervention of the Draconic Empire this was avoided and the Vydren Holds were recognized as a sovereign state with the signing of the Bloodstone Pact.

The Artificer Caste holds a strong presence within the Vydren Holds, and because of this, contrary to the more traditionalist Obsidian Holds, the Vydren Holds have greatly invested in technological advancement and innovation. Their continued investment has yielded positive results with them having effectively invented steam-powered machinery and are currently in the process of integrating it in all their endeavours, although with the rising tensions in the Pyrean Peninsula, an emphasis has been placed on their implementation in warfare.

## Notable Locations

**Vydren-Madar**: Serving as the capital of the holds, Vydren-Madar is a labyrinthine mass of machinery, more akin to a factory than a city it is the main base of operations for the Artificer Caste by virtue of just how many different guilds are established there. A haven for inventors and craftsmen alike, it is where the holds mass produce many of their machines and is also the High King's seat of power. The city also has a direct route to the College of Artifice in the draconic capital through the use of a steam powered locomotive, the first and only one of its kind.

## Society

The Vydren Holds' largest demographics are dwarves and gnomes, and the last census put the holds' populations at around 1.5 million divided between the different holds. Artificers and engineers hold a prominent position within the holds' society, and although officially the High King rules it is well-known that the position is very much a symbolic one with the various artifice guilds holding the true power. Because of this many individuals seek to earn a place within them either through the recommendation of others or by earning great renown through their craft.

### Culture

Life in the Vydren Holds is built upon on the ideals of innovation and invention, they are said to be a meritocracy where one's destiny and position within the caste is not defined by blood but rather by one's accomplishments. The caveat is of course that one's caste still plays a central role in their life, defining many of the avenues open to them. And due to their authority, the Artificer Caste reigns supreme above others meaning that its members are given the most opportunities.

### Religion

Like the Obsidian Holds, the dwarves of the Vydren Holds don't really have an official religion, rather they revere their ancestors; those who rose to define their people's destiny whether through legendary feats of heroism or brilliant inventions. That being said, their close relationship with the Draconic Empire has led to an increase in the worship of the Dragon Gods.