Chalimar

* Artwork
* Map

Chalimar is the capital of Atralran, the birthplace of chivalry and the Seven Vitrues shining bright against iniquity once more.

Chalimar Palace, the seat of the House of Goldlor is located at the centre of the city.

## History

Shortly after Aita's Second Gift, it was said that Gaityas, the Weaver of the World, shaped from the soil and stone laid in place by Caihrnn a number of great settlements in which the new residents of the continent could thrive. For those chosen by Tohmos to rule the lands of what would become The Kingdom of Valour, Gaityas raised the might of Chalimar, carving its walls from pale travertine and marble, crowning each of the thirteen minor towers and three major ones with shimmering plates of bronze. From Chalimar Palace, the dynasty of Goldlor reigned near interrupted for a thousand years, broken only by a short-lived incursion by the much maligned Lord-General Kassian Margaste in 552AG, who, alongside his brother Theozen, held the Gildhearth Throne for just four years between them before a Gawylthlian-funded deposition returned Irving II Goldlor back on his father's throne. The settlement of Chalimar remained the core of the Kingdom throughout the years, home to dozens of knightly houses founded on the principals of the the Seven Virtues of Chivalry, alongside other politicians, priests, merchants and all manner of labourers and tradesfolk skilled and unskilled.

Save the figurehead placed on the Throne, little much changed with the capitulation of the Atrals to the Astedians, and so the city continued much the same for another one hundred and twenty-five years, further prospering under Imperial dominion, before the devastation of its population during the Manifestation of 1099AG. By the time that adventurers arrived in Ahlus, the lands had been partially repopulated, with Chalimar the capital of the Sapphire Sovereignty, the domain of the genasi Lysiphoia trapped as a plaything of the Undying Queen. With the defeat of her then husband Brantharn Fallack, who claimed control over one of the former Atral provinces to style himself as a Duke, and the dispersal of the Blue Fang mercenary group to whom he was allied the lands were fully liberated, allowing Eldarion I Goldlor to ascended to his father's throne.

The Great Conduit between Chalimar and Whittengrove was the first part to be repaired by the Galebreakers, with further connections to Rydoon in the northwest pursued subsequently. Flourishing through the ease of trade, Chalimar may still be an echo of what it once was some four hundred years ago, but the echo grows louder and more clear with each and every passing month and year.

## Government

Operating as a feudal state beneath the Gildhearth Throne, the Monarchs of the House of Goldlor are technically beholden to the laws of their domain, unlike that of an autocrat, but there are few that have the gall to make such an accusation, fearful of declarations of treachery and treason being placed instead at their own feet. Nonetheless, the King of Atralran, the only son and heir of the union between Eldarion I Goldlor and Lysiphoia of Rydoon holds council with representatives from all aspects of the domain to guide his decisions and choices for the betterment of the Realm and all of its residents. Under the Crown are the Marquises, each of which act as wardens of the four provinces, named for and roughly occupying the former locations of the regions of likewise nomenclature that existed during Atralran's peak.

#### The Province of Brurynais

The Marquis of Brurynais holds the seat of Ualune, and is tasked with watching over the southern coastlines of Atralran, including their border with the settlements of the Timberlands to the east, as defined by the river known as the Long Divide. The ruler of Brurynais also holds the title of Custodian of the Rivers and Marshes.

#### The Province of Pervou

The northwestern border of Atralran, shared with the domain of the Lotus Council along the banks of the Lotus Run and Stalrose Gorge, the Province of Pervou contains the capital of Chalimar, as well as the northern stronghold of Hobs' Fall. The vineyards of Pervou are famed the continent over for their wines, which are considered amongst the finest available. The ruler of Pervou also holds the title of Custodian of the Gorge and Vines.

#### The Province of Rethamia

No longer holding the title of Duke, the Marquis of Rethamia carries responsibility over the only major seaport of Atralran, Storm's Break and vast stretches of arable land necessary to feed the ever growing populace. When combined with the challenges of managing the creeping presence of the Ashenvale, the Province of Rethamia is considered by many to be the most trialsome of Atral stations, save perhaps that of the Lord-General of the army or the Monarch themselves. The ruler of Rethamia also holds the title of Custodian of the Fields and Forests.

#### The Province of Vardony

From Redbloom the Province of Vardony has found itself reborn, a region that exemplifies many Atral cornerstones. Diligence and delight in design in the yields and subsequent creations from Breakstone, the magnificent marvels of magic taught by the College at Redbloom, the stalwart strength of Silvertower soldiers at Ashenwatch Redoubt, and the fierce fulfilment felt by fieldworkers and farmhands scattered and sprawling from the roads, paths and trails that weave through the province. The ruler of Vardony also holds the title of Custodian of the Hills and Sands.

### The Laws of Atralran

Defined by the writs and edicts of the Goldlors of centuries past, the Laws of Atralran can be judged by an official versed in legal proceedings, most commonly a Baron or Knight sworn through fealty to one of the four Marquises. Rarer still, the Marquises or the Crown themselves may pass judgement, though such cases are reserved for the rarest, or most severe of cases. Crimes against a member of the Silvertowers, the Gilded Guard, an association of the Marquises or the Crown often evoke greater and/or more costly recompense.

* **Theft.** Up to 10 days imprisonment and/or a fine equal to the value of the stolen items.
* **Trespassing.** Up to 5 days imprisonment and/or a fine of up to 250gp.
* **Failure of proper payment of taxes to the Crown.** Up to 30 days imprisonment and repossession of assets equal to the amount owed.
* **Damage to private property.** Up to 15 days imprisonment and a fine twice the value of the damage dealt. Alternatively, an individual might be sent on a Trial of Spirit specific to the virtue of Prosperity to pay back to society what was lost through their actions.
* **Kidnapping.** Up to 60 days imprisonment and/or a fine of up to 750gp.
* **Assault, with intent to harm.** Up to 15 days imprisonment and/or a fine of up to 250gp.
* **Assault, with the intent to kill.** Up to 300 days imprisonment, a fine of 950gp, or execution.
* **Murder.** Up to 10 years imprisonment, a fine of 3500gp, or execution.
* **Treason.** Execution.

## Crime

Despite the heavy military presence throughout the city of Chalimar, crime of all kind is known to occur in all parts of the settlement. Organised syndicates stalk alleys and the recently rediscovered catacombs that sprawl beneath the settlement, peddling illicit goods and services beyond the sight of the frequent patrols of the more populated areas. In an effort to counter the growing influence of groups petty and far-reaching, the King has recently sent out a call for cartographers to attempt to map the forgotten catacombs, though it has thus far proven a task far greater than previously anticipated. Known entrances have been sealed behind lock and key, though it is rightly assumed that many more remain unaccounted for, much to the benefit of those that seek a means to continue verboten deeds undisturbed.

## Geography

Investing the wealth of the Sapphire Sovereignty claimed from the populace by means of the Twentoil and other underhanded methods to bolster the lands of Atralran anew for all its residents, King Eldarion I Goldlor sought to set Chalimar back upon its path to splendour. In doing so, labourers from Whittengrove and Rydoon were brought in to aid and guide the process, drawing inspiration from old layout of the city but making modifications and improvements throughout. To distinguish his new vision from that of the past, but still pay homage and fealty to those that came before, Eldarion split the city into seven cantons, each corresponding to one of the Virtues of Chivalry and named for a historical Knightly House.

### Hearthfire - The Canton of Ambition

The House of Hearthfire were exemplars and paragons of the virtue of ambition, ever pushing themselves and their vassals onto further achievements and challenges as for the betterment of themselves and those that surround them. The Hearthfire Canton is the main residential region of Chalimar and when first constructed featured fixtures for both those engaging in modest and comfortable lifestyles. Since, as the city has grown the homes of the southern canton of the city have been forced to decrease in size and scope, pressed tight together over many storeys, bringing squalor for many. Ambition remains a clear teaching for the street preachers found throughout the district, relying heavily on the virtuous symbology of the flame to bolster their teachings.

Others instead see the state of the Hearthfire Canton as a source of their own ambition, finding new found resolve to offer what assistance they can to those in need found within the alleys and narrow streets. Those that do are heralded as folk heroes by those downtrodden and forgotten, regardless of what side of the law they lie upon.

### Goldlor - The Canton of Fealty

The Palace of Chalimar rests atop a gentle slope known to locals as Orchard Crest and outshines much of the city surrounding it. Comprising thirteen minor towers and three major ones, the tallest amongst them some six hundred feet tall, the grandeur of the palace cannot be understated. Shaped from bricks of pale travertine and marble, walls and walkways weave between each of the towers, forging a bastion designed with both beauty and security in mind, a mentality reflected in the main entranceway. A huge door hewn from light-toned timbers rests beneath a monstrous barbican overlooks the domains surrounding the palace, and atop all are bricks that seem to shine and shimmer like fine-polished bronze. The zealous claim that because of its divine construction the walls of Chalimar Palace cannot be damaged by mundane means, though few in the history of Ahlus have had the military might to test such claims.

The interior of the palace is likewise lavish, shaped from the same pale stone illuminated by windows of crystalline glass framed and bordered with high-spun bronze polished bright. In the main halls and courts vast mosaics depicting lattices vines and flowers, heraldry of fallen knightly houses, shimmering knights locked in combat with wretched foes and ships sailing through storm and serenity alike can be found, as well as tapestries and statues of stories past.

The Gildhearth Throne itself is a construction of stone, brushed with gold positioned beneath a vast stained glass window that causes its entirety to be bathed in a warm yellow gold glow. Subtle enchantments woven through the craft give the appearance of a ring of flames circling those that sit upon its silk-lined seat, further exaggerating their presence.

Notable Locations

* Chalimar Palace - the seat of the House of Goldlor, home of the Gildhearth Throne.

### Besculus - The Canton of Mettle

Few houses can truly claim a steadfast resolve than the House of Besculus, who maintained a steadfast resolve against those that would seek harm and malice unto Atralran throughout the ages. Ealwant Besculus, the then Archmage of the Guild of the Crimson Blossom remained at his King's side throughout the campaigns against the advance of the Astedian Empire, and continued to act in defiance even after their conquest. When restored from his waking stupor as a puppet of the Keeper of Whispers, Ealwant pledged fealty once more to the Goldlors, aiding in the refounding of the Kingdom of Valour, before setting forth to quell the magics of the Ashenvale once and for all, a final challenge that would prove his last act, and one yet unachieved.

Places of learning are scattered throughout the Besculus Canton, focusing predominantly on military history, tactics and strategies, though other institutes have since found a place within the district, teaching all manner of skills to those with the focus and resolve to seek out such opportunities. Near the Mason's Gate, the egress in the city walls on the eastern side of the settlement, a jousting tiltyard draws large crowds, with bouts traditionally taking place annually on Redmeet's Remembrance, partway through the month of Carrast. Competing in the name of Kroai, the deity for which the Holy Day is dedicated, most any are welcome to enter the jousts and competitions to display their honour and valour.

Notable Locations

* Beauview Study - a library specialising in historical tomes, known to be very protective of these volumes and thus reluctant to loan copies out.

### Osvine - The Canton of Pride

Where the Vardony Road from the east curves and branches through the city to meet the Melody Walk trailing from the lands to the south, the division between the Osvine Canton and Osvine Canton is set in place. Originally envisioned as a means to further bolster the ambition of the residents of the latter by placing the residential district of the wealthy within sight, the positioning has since caused a great deal of contention. The manses of the Osvine Canton have since been constructed to include tall walls to shield the prying eyes of the passing public, behind them well-tended gardens featuring small orchards and groves of apple, pear and plum trees in traditional Atral fashion are cultivated.

All would-be knights aspire to one day add their personal heraldry to the walls of the Halls of the Gladden, and from there ponder and reflect on their achievements with contentment and pride in their heart.

### Vasseur - The Canton of Prosperity

To achieve prosperity as the Trial of Spirit, one must offer up twofold ideals, that of a willingness to place toil and effort towards a goal, and then finding others to share in the subsequent result. The Vasseur Canton, named for the House of the legendary Atral chef Abelard-Claude Vasseur, sets forth to fulfil these ideals, bringing all manner of merchants, labourers and tradesfolk alike into one place to engage in commerce of every kind. Though many would dispute the claim of most popular, many taverns, theatres and other sources of entertainment and comfort are found in the Vasseur Canton, as well as the station for the Galerider Rail, which weaves over the city walls to reach its stopping point near the Stout Gate on the northern edge of the city, a site shared with the settlement's aerodrome.

Traditional Atral crafts are ever popular within the Vasseur Canton, and so shops selling specialty wines and cheeses, tailors threading brightly-coloured textiles into skirts, doublets, coats, cloaks and feathered hats and magewrights offering magical services of great variety are present throughout, and made steady profits year after year.

Notable Locations

* Boil & Blossom - An alchemy and potion shop operated by Lambert Brunelle

### Castellan - The Canton of Vigilance

Stretching around the base of Orchard Crest, upon which Chalimar Palace was first raised, the Castellan Canton is home to training yards, barracks and forges dedicated to outfitting, training and refining the skills of both the Atral Army and the Gilded Guard. The House of Castellan were amongst the first to pledge themselves to the first King of Atralran, King Gilbert I Goldlor, and their sigil featuring an argent watchtower has since been taken as the symbology used by the Atral army as a whole, affording them their unofficial name of the Silvertowers.

Steeped in military history, Atral soldiers are trained with sword, bow, axe, shield and lance, and those aspiring to knighthood spend time within the Halls of Learning in the Besculus Canton before attending the College at Redbloom to pursue an understanding of the arcane. Those successful in this endeavour are titled spellslingers, and from these spellslingers the elite guard of the Crown itself, the Gilded Guard are selected.

The faith of the Ahlusian Sixteen is particularly strong within the territory of Atralran, and holds a place in the lives of all that reside there. Whether directly so or by more indirect means, belief guides thoughts, words and deeds, and the densely packed Alderstaff Canton celebrates this truth. Temples dedicated to myriad deities are found throughout the neighbourhood, but none are more honoured than that of the Master of the Hammer, Tohmos the True. A grand cathedral, recently completed and opened to the public takes centrestage, its design mirroring that of the Palace itself with stark pale stone walls crowned in domes of bronze.