Maradun

Maradun is an independent province located in the north west of Chilastra, that is famed for its massive mountains and Dwarven population. The climate is temperate to cold in this region.

Pre-Empire (year 0-282)
Maradun has always belonged to the Dwarves since recorded history and borders to the east with Ordil'Aran, the land of the Elves, which they've not always been on good terms with.

Very early on the Dwarves and Elves were quite friendly with each other, but in the year 200, the Elven king Anduril ordered the siege of the Dwarven city Gugh Boldor which broke the peace between the two races.

The siege lasted only for two weeks as Gugh Boldor defended itself quite well.

Gugh Boldor is often regarded as the main city of Dwarves and is located both outside and inside the mountain with the same name.

Agus Artelianus Prim. (year 282-308)
As the Empire arrived, with Emperor Martyn Artelius I at the helm and with the Elves as allies, Maradun fought back and managed to fend off the Imperials rather quickly.

The Emperor Martyn Artelius I and the Dwarven king Bhandur the Great reached a peace agreement and the Dwarves were left alone.

Agus Artelianus Secon. (year 308-372)
As the Empire conquered more and more of Chilastra, the region of Maradun remained independent and left alone.An agreement of peace was also reached between the Dwarves and Elves in year 333, but since then there's always been tensions between the two races.

Towards the end of this period of time, in the year 368, Maradun was declared an independent province and did not have to pay taxes to the Empire as long as they followed Imperial law.

Agus Artelianus Tert. (year 372-400)
Emperor Martyn Artelius the II was growing old and slowly dying, and started transitioning his responsibilities to his heir and son Lucien Artelius, who had different thoughts in mind for Chilastra. With Emperor Lucien Artelius succeeding his father, he wanted to rule and govern better, and thus started introducing systems for all regions. Maradun was however excluded as long as they agreed to follow Imperial law.

During this time period, the Dwarves gained fame for being great weaponsmiths as well as armorsmiths. Blacksmithing in general was said to be the best in this region and it quickly attracted Dwarves from other areas in Chilastra to journey to Maradun for work and to live among other Dwarves.

1E (year 400-500)
During the times of the First Era, Maradun grew to become larger and larger in terms of population and Dwarves flocked to Gugh Boldor. The city grew so dense in population that it was extended further into the Misty Mountains.

It's believed that Gugh Boldor is the largest city in the world, but the Empire has found it difficult to run census on the general region of Maradun as they're not viewed as welcome in the region.

2E (year 500-600)
This is where we are today, and Maradun is still home to the Dwarves. However, at this point in time the Dwarves are more open to share their resources and have become more cooperative in terms of trade, especially since their blacksmithing skills are viewed as somewhat myhtical and legendary, and so the Dwarven kings have seen opportunities for Maradun to thrive in riches. It is said that the Grand Vault of Gugh Boldor is guarded by two full-grown dragons.

Geography & Features
Maradun covers large, mountainous areas known as the Misty Mountains, and is home to the Dwarves.

Gugh Boldor is said to be a city so massive that clusters in the mountains have formed into smaller cities and the Dwarves govern the region independently.

Not much else is known about Maradun.

Citizens
Maradun is mainly inhabited by Dwarves. There's a small population of Halflings and Gnomes in the region as well.