Cragmoor
Cragmoor, located in the elevated western regions of Thallindor, is a testament to man's desire to carve prosperity from the raw heart of nature. This mountainous region, cleaved by glistening streams and deep, sprawling valleys, is home to vast, interconnected mining communities that stretch like a web across its rocky terrain. The smoky scent of burning coal mingles with the crisp mountain air, while the metallic resonance of pickaxes striking against stone is the nation's constant drumbeat. Every mountain face hides a rich vein of precious metals or gemstones, their bounty extracted by the diligent hands of the industrious Cragmoorians.
Society
In Cragmoor, wealth and influence are the twin pillars upon which society stands. The rich merchant class forms the upper echelon of society, their status evident in their opulent stone villas and extravagant lifestyle. The middle class primarily consists of successful artisans, blacksmiths, and miners, while those less fortunate form the working class, often living from one payday to the next.Culture
Despite this class divide, a sense of unity pervades Cragmoorian society, fortified by a shared cultural identity. Cragmoorians are known for their hard work, resilience, and a keen business sense. Festivals and communal events, often based on mining folklore and artisanal traditions, form a critical part of their cultural identity.Trade
As one would expect, Cragmoor's economy is heavily dependent on its mining industry, with its wealth of precious stones and metals driving trade. Cragmoor's master craftsmen are renowned for turning these raw materials into exquisite jewelry and finely crafted tools, which are traded extensively both within and beyond the nation's borders.Government
Cragmoor is an oligarchy, governed by a council of its wealthiest and most influential merchants. This Council of Merchants controls the nation's trade, commerce, and foreign relations. Despite occasional power struggles within the council, the system has remained surprisingly stable, with its vast wealth serving as a unifying factor.History
The origins of Cragmoor trace back over a millennium when roving bands of miners first discovered the land's mineral wealth and established their foothold amidst its rugged peaks. These small, independent mining communities coexisted for centuries, sharing a common culture but no formal political ties. Then, the rich veins of precious gemstones found in the heart of the Greyrock Peaks in 711 set in motion the events that led to Cragmoor's eventual unification. With the influx of wealth came both opportunity and conflict, as the influential mine owners vied for control and dominance over the new-found riches. By the mid-12th century, Cragmoor had become a land of immense wealth and equally great strife. The mine-owning families had formed a de facto oligarchy, their fortunes far surpassing that of the common folk. However, the growing inequality and constant power struggles threatened the nation's stability. This volatile status quo persisted until the year 1284 when a catastrophic collapse in the Everdeep Mine resulted in a significant loss of life. This tragedy served as the catalyst for change, leading to the establishment of the Council of Merchants in 1291. This new governing body aimed to regulate the mining industry better and restore order to the fractious nation. However, the Council's true trial by fire came in 1337, during the War of Shadows. The Heart of Narthos, the source of all darkness, had fallen into the wrong hands, unleashing a horde of shadowy horrors upon Thallindor. Although Cragmoor was somewhat isolated from the central conflict in the Shattered Vale, its precious metals and gemstones were invaluable for financing the war effort and forging weapons. When the forces of darkness attempted to seize Cragmoor's wealth for themselves, the nation's citizens and the Council of Merchants banded together in an unprecedented show of unity. Miners wielded pickaxes alongside the guard's swords, defending their homes with a fierce determination born of desperation and pride. The tunnels and mineshafts they knew so well became deadly traps for their enemies, and the would-be invaders found themselves outmatched and outwitted in the labyrinthine passages of the mountains. Post the War of Shadows, Cragmoor emerged as a unified and more robust nation. The shared struggle had fostered a sense of collective identity and a newfound respect for the Council's leadership. The years following the war saw a period of remarkable growth and prosperity, with the Council of Merchants skillfully directing the nation's wealth towards building strong defenses and investing in the people's welfare. Despite occasional tremors of internal power struggles, Cragmoor has grown from strength to strength, its resilient spirit hardened like the precious metals extracted from its heart. The echoes of pickaxes against stone are a testament to the nation's unyielding resolve, a symbol of a people determined to shape their own destiny amidst the rocky ramparts of Cragmoor.
Aliases The West, Highmoors
Region West Thallindor
Capital Bouldercrest
Demonym Craggite, Cragmoorian
Population ~10,230,700
Physical Area ~265,000 sq mi.
Races Humans - 62%, Dwarves - 23%, Goblin - 10%, Other - 5%
Religions Jarak, Zephyros, Ishara, Mordos, Zaelor, Korghul, Vixara
Languages Common, Dwarven, Goblin, Undercommon, Orcish
Regional Language Tradil
Creature Types Beast, Elemental, Construct, Fey, Fungus, Ooze, Plant, Giant, Dragon
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