Last week we looked at Ashur Raam, homeland to the gnomes. This week we take a look at their friendly neighbors, the gold dwarves of Balasian. They are heavily inspired by the middle east and Silk Road culture during the Spice Trade era. [su_spacer]
Balasian(Bah-lah-see-ahn) Golden Sands of Trade
Overview: Mocking their brothers in Mushtaaq the dwarves of this land use metal and rock for more than weaponry. They use it to create jewlery, instruments and other luxuries. Oh and they were a major player in the creation of golems and other constructs. Golems are common place within Balasian. They’ve advanced far enough that they’ve joined parts of Balasian’s Army. The golems help the people of the city build and craft and some people are even fortunate to have them help around the house.
“Granite Golem” by DevBurmak
Culture:
The Gold Dwarves are very materialistic and the Golden Bazaar in the center of their city is famous throughout all of Menkara as “The Shopping Capital of the World.” People from all over the land come to find rare oddities.
As a nation of trade Balasian has a good relationship with many of Menkara’s nations but its particularly strong with Ashur Raam. It is frequently joked that they are more closely related to them than the Ashen Dwarves of the North. Though they don’t like to admit it the Rock Gnomes had just as much hand in the creation of golems as they did. [su_spacer size=”10″]
Photo from Solarey.net
Religion:
The majority of people in the land follow Moradin, dwarf god of creation. Moradin encourages the art of crafting and craftsmen are held in high regard in Balasian. The dwarves strive to surpass their ancestors work and passing on their knowledge to the next generation. Creating a cycle of continual cultural growth.
These ideals are taken advantage of by a small subset of powerful people. The peoples’ unrest has started showing its head in the capital.
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Government: Confederacy:
Each of the cities within the nation of Balasian govern themselves. They do work and pool resources together forming the Balasian Confederacy. The leaders answer to Lord Mustafa Khadra. While not their leader he handles disputes between the cities.
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Major Organizations:
– Balasian Confederacy
– Najaat College of Lore
– Band of Serpents – Major criminal organization found throughout Menkara began and has the most influence within Balasian.
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Major Races:
Gold Dwarves, Rock Gnomes, Humans
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Major Classes:
Fighters, Transmutation Scholars, Bards, Rogues
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“Arabic Autumn” by Tervola