#gondwane

Alignment: Lawful Good

In the south of Dwelvindur is a vast mountain range known as the Mountains of Gondwane. Centred around this range is a nation that shares its name - Gondwane is the true nation of dwarves. It is said that Moridin carved the first warf from the tip of the tallest mountain in the Gondwane range. Gondwane is the most prosperous mining nation in Essos - beneath its mountains run veins of gold, silver, and platinum miles wide and just as deep. Ruled by their immortal queen, Queen Ertri Silvermaul, for the past 16 centuries. Gondwane is considered to be the most politically stable nation in Essos.

Cities

The capital of Gondwane is the great city of Durin, located in the hollowed shell of Mount Durin the largest mountain in Moradin’s Range. Durin is the sacred mountain of the dwarves as Moradin carved the first dwarf from the rock of the mountain. The city of Durin is equally as sacred and houses the Great Temple of Moradin, the Forge of the Gods, and the Monolith Castle. Durin is a rich city built on some of the richest veins of gold and jewels in Essos, as such the quality of life is exceptionally high. Durrin is one of the few cities in the world that can boast have no homeless persons, slums, or criminal areas due to excellent social aid and the most efficient guard force in the world. While it is not a center for trade there are other reasons to come to Durin. The God Forge offers the best smithed weapons and armour in all of Essos. The Great Temple of Moradin is one of the holiest sites in the world and within it is the Hall of History, a winding tunnel that leads deep into the earth and on its walls all of dwarf history is recorded.

While Durin is the center of Gondwane it is landlocked and difficult to trade with. This led to the birth of Gildren the port of stone. located in the easternmost mountain in Moradin’s Range, the dwarves dug a canal from ocean into the heart of the mountain and created a port there. As the most heavily regulated and best defended port in Essos very little criminal activity occurs there. almost any kind of metal or stone good can be acquired in the shops of Gildren.

Ruling Family:

Gondwane is ruled by Ertri Silvermaul, the Immortal Queen. Ertri has ruled Gondwane since she came to power 1600 years ago. She ascended the throne after the original ruling family of Gondwane was murdered during an enemy invasion. Had it not been for Ertri’s leadership the nation would have fallen. Because of this she was chosen as the new queen. After her coronation, Ertri revealed to her subjects that she was immortal and would never grow old and die. Many doubted her at first, but as the centuries have passed her words have proven true. Her immortal rule has never been a problem to her people as she is a kind and just queen. In current days Ertri is a beloved and respected monarch, her and her wife Tolva Silvermaul (nee Forgeborn) rule from the monolith castle.

Allied Nations:

Gondwane maintains excellent relations with almost all of the nations of Essos, but maintains a strong bond with the other dwarven nation, Volta. Gondwane is also strong allies with their neighbor Burghatal who are responsible for the shipment and trade of most of Gondwane’s goods as Dwarves are not a seafaring people. The Dragon Spine Archipelago has always allied itself with Gondwane as the draconic residents of the archipelago have much love of the treasures Gondwane produces and trade with them often. Arwyrel is another ally with whom they engage in much trade.

Enemy Nations: