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Caladon is part of the Castle Kingdoms Alliance that spreads through the Caladon Mountains. It is situated in the rough geographic center of the mountains, and guards the main pass from the North through the kingdoms, and is the wealthiest of the Alliance.
History
The kingdom originated on the search for gold, silver, and gems in the Caladon Mountains over 500 years ago. Dwarves were the miners, and they quickly found and exploited these reserves, and thusly, a kingdom was born. The kingdom also grew as a major link between the North and South, growing close to the pass through the mountains. This brought a lot of trade and wealth to Caladon. Later it brought the threat of war. At this time the human population grew very quickly with refugees and defeated troops from the North escaping the wars of their own lands. The Cathem towers and wall was built to withstand an assault and the newcomers were welcome to bolster defenses. When no attack came, these people turned to the land and began farming and trading.
The Cathem Towers are still partially manned and still hold a legion of troops.
Quick Facts
Caladon is accepted as the 'capital' of the Castle Kingdom Alliance. There are special courts and councils that hold representatives of each kingdom to ensure consensus. It is also the seat for ambassadors from other major kingdoms and empires.
Main population centers are the fortresses and cities, and then the mines. Mining towns have the majority of the dwarven population, with a smattering of gnomes. The capital and other towns are predominantly human.
The countryside is farmed mainly by halflings and humans.
Elves and other races are more common in this kingdom than in others in the Alliance due to embassies and their staff.
Law and Order
King Mark has been the ruler of Caladon for 20 years. During this time the kingdom had continued to grow in population and wealth. He is loved by all the peoples of the kingdom and is known for his fair and just laws. Rule is also spread through nobles of the realm and sheriffs. This is not a wild land, although considerably rougher than Cerk, law and order still prevail. There is total religious freedom for worship based on racial lines.
Economy
The kingdom obtains its wealth from 2 main sources:
- Mining. The combination of gnomes and dwarves and metal ores is always a money-making venture. The weapons and armor from Caladon are renowned for their quality and strength.
- Trade. Being the central kingdom, and being in control of the main pass through the mountains, Caladon has built a reputation as a trading center between the North and the Alliance. Merchant guilds from Cerk are very strong on Caladon. Embassies also strengthen the trading links on a political/treaty level.
Cities, Towns, and Places of the Kingdom
Caladon, the capital
Passtown
Mountham
Deepham
Thuton
Cerkham
The Cathem Towers
The Mines
The Deep