"We live upon a graveyard, never forget that."
The Kingdom of Kalamar is a land of rugged terrain and harsh winters, where the people are tough and resilient, and where strength and honor are highly valued. The Kingdom is ruled by the Duke of Axeholm, a strong and wise ruler who oversees all matters of the state with the help of his Earls. Each city and town has its own ruling Earl, who strives to gain the favor of the Duke by any means necessary. The people of Kalamar have a proud and rich history, built upon the sacrifices, virtues, and natural resource abundance of their past. Despite their autocratic rule, the Kingdom is highly adored by its people and has many strengths. Kalamar's export industry is highly developed, and they are known for their high-quality textiles, furs, and whale oil. Hygiene is also a top priority, and the Kingdom boasts some of the cleanest cities and towns in the region.
However, there are also weaknesses in the Kingdom's infrastructure. Food production is a significant challenge due to the harsh weather, and as a result, Kalamar is heavily reliant on imports from its sovereign state, the Silver Dominion. Additionally, mining efficiency is low, and public education is lacking. The people of Kalamar are not very spiritual, and religion plays no significant role in their daily lives. The official faith of the Kingdom is The Word (Silver Prince), but most citizens do not hold strong religious beliefs. Instead, they rely on their experience and what they know will work, and they value oaths and actions above all else.
There are some who openly oppose the Dominion and their push for their faith, but they are often taken away. The Earls of Kalamar often argue over the Dominion's power, with some eager for another war, but most hope to depart from the Dominion peacefully and without bloodshed. Despite this desire for peace, the natives of Kalamar have a craving for conflict, and many leave to serve at the border. Many of the Goliaths and Giants of Kalamar, who are highly respected for their strength and fighting abilities, have grown tired of the Dominion's demands, and many have migrated to the south-east to settle in the land of Vikholm or the Khein Dynasty. The Kingdom of Kalamar remains a land of contrasts, with a tough and resilient people and a strong autocratic rule, but also with weaknesses in infrastructure and a growing desire for independence from the Silver Dominion.
The Unification of the Tribes and the invasion of Kalamar
The Tribal Unification of Kalamar was a significant event in the history of the Agera continent. The story begins in the year 840 of the first age, when all tribes across the northern part of Agera came together to support one another during a long and punishing winter. However, Warlords and Chiefs were fighting over who would lead the gathering, which caused significant unrest among the tribes. To resolve the issue, they decided to hold a trial that was open to all chiefs and warlords. The trial was a bloody affair, but eventually, one warlord emerged as the defacto leader and was crowned the first King of Kalamar. His name was Ivor Grimfar.
In the early years of the third age, the Silver Dominion invaded the lands of Kalamar and attempted to annex the north. However, Kalamar was a land of hardened warriors who were not prepared to give up their country without a fight. They battled long and hard for their fellow men and country. While they could endure the war, old rivalries and internal conflicts caused the war to stagger, and some Kalamar clans bent the knee to annex their lands to the Silver Dominion. Clan Tusk and Clan Moor took the side of the Dominion and became House Tusk and House Moor. Their lands became part of the Dominion, and the rest of Kalamar ceased the war to find a middle ground. Despite being able to endure the war, the King did not wish to see more clans fall to the Dominion. The clans and the King agreed to become a vassal of the Dominion if they were allowed to maintain their power and titles within their land. The Dominion ended their hostile acts, and the treaty was signed.
In the year 576 of the third age, King Dagmar Karaheim ruled Kalamar with an iron gauntlet. He stood up for his country and did everything to stop the total control of the Dominion, who was actively growingtheir politic influance in the land. The Dominion knew better than to have the entire north rally against them and "allowed" the King to rule. In the year 600 of the third age, the infernal god known as Malagore was causing havoc across the world, and the mortal nations came together to stop him. The mortals were losing the fight until the King of Kalamar, Dagmar, with his last breath, called out for aid by saying a long-forgotten name, Rhaaga, the abyssal queen. With that one last breath, the Kalamar King turned the tide of the battle as hoards of abyssal demons came through the ground to fight the infernal fiends. The mortal world was saved from total annihilation by a necessary evil.
At the beginning of the fourth age, Kalamar underwent significant changes due to the demands of the Dominion. The title of the King was replaced with the title of Duke, and his warchiefs became Earls. Kalamar became a kingdom without a king. While the country remained strong, many groups are fighting among themselves over past glories and dreams of independence. Despite this, the Tribal Unification of Kalamar remains an important moment in the history of the Agera continent, as it demonstrates the strength and determination of the people of Kalamar to come together in times of need and adversity.
Geography
Situated in the northernmost region of the continent Agera, Kalamar boasts a diverse landscape characterized by expansive grasslands, pristine white forests, snow-capped mountains, and rolling hills. The land's terrain showcases a breathtaking blend of natural beauty, making it both picturesque and formidable.
Settlements and Landmarks:
Axeholm, a bustling port city and the capital city renowned for its ruggedness, serves as the epicenter of trade and maritime activities within Kalamar. It hosts numerous trade hubs and sailors, fostering a vibrant commercial atmosphere. Other notable cities include Malmborg, Anaheim, and Traxton, each contributing to the region's economy and cultural tapestry. Despite having no active strongholds following their vassalage to the Silver Dominion, Kalamar has recently begun fortifying its cities anew in response to the imminent naval threat posed by the Khein Dynasty. These fortified cities stand as bastions against potential incursions.
Population and Diversity:
With a population nearing 6 million inhabitants, Kalamar accommodates a diverse populace primarily composed of Humans, Goliaths, Dwarfs, Halflings, Gnomes, and Giants. The prevalent languages spoken in the region include Common, Dwarvish, and Giant, reflecting the multicultural fabric of its society.
Strongholds and Recent History:
Once home to active strongholds and fortifications, Kalamar relinquished these defenses upon becoming a vassal to the Silver Dominion. These structures were dismantled, leaving the region vulnerable. However, recent developments have allowed the re-fortification of cities, spurred by the looming naval threat posed by the Dynasty. The population of Kalamar stands at approximately 6 million, comprising mainly Humans, Goliaths, Dwarfs, Halflings, Gnomes, and Giants, contributing to a diverse and dynamic society. The prevalent languages spoken include Common, Dwarvish, and Giant, reflecting the cultural diversity within the populace.
Climate and Resources
Kalamar's imports and exports form a crucial economic framework, catering to the region's diverse needs and leveraging its natural resources and skilled labor to contribute to regional and international trade dynamics.
- Imports: Kalamar faces a formidable challenge due to its extended and harsh winters, severely limiting agricultural productivity. As a result, the region heavily relies on importing various foodstuffs from southern nations to meet the dietary needs of its population. Staple food items such as grains, preserved goods, and other essential consumables are procured from these regions to offset the scarcity imposed by the frigid climate. The aristocratic circles within Kalamar exhibit a pronounced affinity for fine wines, leading to a significant import of these coveted beverages. The demand for quality wines among the elite prompts substantial imports from renowned vineyards located in the warmer southern realms. These imports cater to the refined tastes and preferences of the noble class, elevating social gatherings and prestigious events.
Iron, steel, and various other metals constitute critical imports that serve as the backbone of Kalamar's industrial sector. These raw materials play a pivotal role in bolstering the region's manufacturing capabilities, facilitating the production of machinery, tools, and implements. The need for these industrial materials aligns with the region's efforts to modernize and reinforce its industrial infrastructure.
- Exports: Kalamar capitalizes on its rich wildlife and the expertise of its skilled hunters, enabling the export of a diverse array of natural resources. Pelts, fur, and leather sourced from the abundant wildlife form a significant portion of Kalamar's exports. These high-quality materials are in demand across various industries for crafting garments, luxury items, and functional goods. The region's maritime endeavors yield a valuable resource in the form of whale oil. Kalamar's skilled seafaring communities engage in whaling expeditions, extracting this sought-after commodity. Whale oil serves multiple purposes, from lighting and lubrication to pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications, making it a lucrative export commodity.
Kalamar harnesses its abundant natural resources, exporting sturdy timber sourced from its forests, gravel extracted from its terrain, and coal mined from its deposits. These materials find utility in construction, infrastructure development, and energy production, meeting the demands of various regional markets. Renowned for its exceptional purity and quality, the region's pristine spring water emerges as a notable export commodity. Coveted by regions like Vikholm and the Khein Dynasty for its unmatched clarity and taste, this premium water serves as a symbol of purity and wellness, commanding a discerning market.
Cultural Significance and Economy
Kalamar's geographical diversity and resource abundance shape its economy and trade dynamics. The region's unique blend of natural beauty and harsh climate influences its trade patterns and resource management, leading to a delicate balance between imports and exports. The recent history of relinquishing fortifications and subsequent re-fortification highlights the geopolitical complexities shaping Kalamar's present and future. This wiki page serves as a testament to the rich tapestry of Kalamar's geography, resources, and economic landscape.