Durin Province
The eastern province of Suranth is a place of surprising environmental variety from what most might expect from the tundra nation due to its rather unique landscape. Nestled between the Sheer-Stone Mountain Range to the southwest and the White-Tip Mountain Range to the north-east the province has a great many rivers and streams flowing into it from these lowlands, feeding to the river in the south that gives the region its name, on the way to the ocean. Durin's Run feeds out to where An Pointe Thoir is built, but besides this, the lowlands between these two mountain ranges are also fed by the damper climate of the Glacial Sea. All this has created an odd climate where some thick sections of coniferous forest, including the shivering wood to the north. One can experience all these varied climates and biomes, all within a tundra overture, in this mere few hundred kilometers. It is a province that embraces this variety in every level they can, including being a industrial center for the nation, a place of production of all manner of goods.
Structure
So there are many influential individuals in the region, as well as groups, such as the Trade Guilds, however a select few hold any real sway in governance and policy. Again this of course speaks to things handled more regionally and locally, and is policy, not law. Law can only be issued by the High King and his table of advisors. Of course to the common folk, when your local lord's men enforce it, and the local cops do, well it may as well be law. On that level there are many worthy individuals of note. Guild leaders, high ranking military officers, High Judges and the list goes on. However at the widest scale, on a whole sale province wide level, there are a select few who command the authority and respect that lets them handle business as sort of a 'town council' for the entire province.
Lord Protectorate Azulron Rikkazmac Vithang: The current clan leader of the Dwarven Vithang clan, whom are well known for their prowess as craftsmen, a reputation well earned. His more modern 'noble' title is Duke Vithang, though like most dwarves he prefers the older traditions, preferring to be called Protectorate Azulron, or if one were to insist on being pretentious, Lord Protectorate, milord, Protectorate Vithang, or even Lord Protectorate Vithang would be acceptable. He is known to respond poorly to any northerner using 't'at southern title' nonsense. He is a no nosense dwarf, about midway through his third century of life, and is himself a well established craftsman in good standing with his guild, a shipwright by trade. As the ruling noble of this estate, his clan's crest and coat of arms is present on any flags and banners along with on the shields, though the armor and uniform of any military is standardized nation wide. He is also the first dwarf to break with tradition, despite being a staunch traditionalist, in that he has allowed a 'modernist' equal voice to his noble bannerman and the region's Knight-Bishop (basically Arch-Bishop) of Sir Kartheart. That historic individual is considered by many to be his closest friend and advisor. Azulron though, finds he agrees with his dear friend Duncan. The Void is an ever present danger, but is also ever growing. Every few years things occur or spill forth from that vile place that no one has ever seen. Modernization, Education, Industrialization are the ways forward and the path to a successful future for his charges and for all of Suranth.
Duncan Corvimac Gotlbrand: This dwarven scientist and visionary whom is deep into the tail end of his third century of life, is Azulron's closest advisor and friend, and has been since they were wee beardlings almost two hundred years ago. His position of influence is one that grates a fair few folk the wrong way, particularly those of a traditionalist and more religious bent, along with the higher ranking nobility in some ways. For he is the dwarf whom figured out successfully, and threw every ounce of energy he could over two hundred years, into steam power and locomotion. The result was a rather large labor and market shift that changed the political, social and economic climate the last few decades, and combined with Sky-Ships has seen the beginning of an age of modern industrialization, and the rather swift death of the true benefits of a feudalistic power structure for those on top, whom are in that position with most of the responsibilities now, but far less of the normal benefits. Some adapted, some 'new age nobility' were created, and some old family names that used to have weight have seen their wealth and influence disappear, including two of Azulron's own bannermen whom likely still hold a grudge and some loyal allies, though nothing has come of it in the last few years. The church also opposed this, given the sudden rush of access to learning, and education, and the ever dangerous curiosity this offered the lower classes.
Arch-Bishop Bokras Tullimac Grem: This silver-bearded dwarf is the region's arch-bishop and besides being the spiritual voice of Sir Kartheart's Cult upon the region's cabinet of advisors, he is also a staunch traditionalist, despising this whole 'industrialization' process and nonsense, at least publicly. Privately it is well known amongst the cabinet that he is quite the hypocrite, spreading church doctrine and traditionalist messages with his voice and outreach, but behind the scenes raking in a steady profit having invested in a variety of locomotive based ventures and interests. It was not the most well kept secret, though there are enough staunch traditionalists that would outright deny it publicly.
Admiral Thomas Martinook: The highest ranking military officer in the province, stationed at Fort East-Watch, Thomas Martinook is human, a man in his early fifties and is well known for his abrasive personality, hard demeanor, and for his lack of willingness to embrace certain protocols of behavior, such as bowing to most nobles, or acknowledging them as technically outranking him. This is because despite his age, he is no traditionalist, and appreciates Lord Protectorate Azulron's, and indeed, High King Cormac's own legislative alterations to the various rules, regulations and laws regarding how military, including navy, are to behave. It seems many traditionalist minded nobles and wealthy elites don't understand how the world is changing and some are quite influential. Indeed if not for being in Fleet Admiral Yvette's good books, and his friendship both personal and professional with Azulron and Duncan, he'd have likely been court-marshaled and locked up half a dozen times, if not completely stripped of rank and removed from service entirely.
Fiolag Felivan Con'veinia: A staunch traditionalist of elven heritage, he buts heads often with his liege lord, as one might expect, but in a hilarious twist of irony, it is his devotion to those traditionalist values that keeps him from doing more than vocally disagreeing with Lord Protectorate Azulron. He holds little love for Duncan or Admiral Martinook either, but otherwise not much of note worthy about this elf of four centuries in age.
Fiolag Corvas Lowin: This human lord is another staunch traditionalist within the politics of the region, and is well known to be rather extreme in his views, to points that have almost seen him stripped of his titles and lands a few times. He's been in open conflict with the Trade Guilds, he has been caught on numerous occasions treating peasants and lowborn rural common folk on the lands of his estate little better than livestock, hell in some cases worse. It does not look to change any time soon, despite the old man being in his mid seventies, as his sons are of a similar bent.
Fiolag Lanvori Atrium: A Vrock awarded his own lands and titles for bravery, whom served in the famed Iron Drakes, the elite musketeer unit of Suranth. The bravery he was awarded lands and a title for was due to being the only surviving member of Protectorate Azulron's honor guard when an attempt was made on his life only a decade ago. Lanvori and his fellows, two Storm Lancers and another Iron Drake, were ambushed in An Pointe Thoir by skilled assassins, local agents from the infamous Coal Hand Cutters, and their hired help. The street fight had been vicious, brutal and swift, leaving both Storm Lancers dead, Lanvori's fellow Iron Drake dying in an alley mouth with but enough left to fire both pistols as some of the killers tried to follow. Lanvori himself cut down three of them, and blew the magister they'd brought straight to the void with a well placed musket shot. He'd been wounded by half a dozen knife thrusts and two pistol shots, but the Vrock powered through and somehow got Azulron to a safe house, and managed to stay alive, and even fight off another assassin in the sewers as he got the dwarven lord back to safety. Their friendship and alliegance was properly forged that day, as can be seen below;
As such, it should go without saying Lanvori is another staunch ally for Azulron, and is no traditionalist.
Naturally there are others of various influence, but these are some of the most well known and arguably most important.
Lord Protectorate Azulron Rikkazmac Vithang: The current clan leader of the Dwarven Vithang clan, whom are well known for their prowess as craftsmen, a reputation well earned. His more modern 'noble' title is Duke Vithang, though like most dwarves he prefers the older traditions, preferring to be called Protectorate Azulron, or if one were to insist on being pretentious, Lord Protectorate, milord, Protectorate Vithang, or even Lord Protectorate Vithang would be acceptable. He is known to respond poorly to any northerner using 't'at southern title' nonsense. He is a no nosense dwarf, about midway through his third century of life, and is himself a well established craftsman in good standing with his guild, a shipwright by trade. As the ruling noble of this estate, his clan's crest and coat of arms is present on any flags and banners along with on the shields, though the armor and uniform of any military is standardized nation wide. He is also the first dwarf to break with tradition, despite being a staunch traditionalist, in that he has allowed a 'modernist' equal voice to his noble bannerman and the region's Knight-Bishop (basically Arch-Bishop) of Sir Kartheart. That historic individual is considered by many to be his closest friend and advisor. Azulron though, finds he agrees with his dear friend Duncan. The Void is an ever present danger, but is also ever growing. Every few years things occur or spill forth from that vile place that no one has ever seen. Modernization, Education, Industrialization are the ways forward and the path to a successful future for his charges and for all of Suranth.
Duncan Corvimac Gotlbrand: This dwarven scientist and visionary whom is deep into the tail end of his third century of life, is Azulron's closest advisor and friend, and has been since they were wee beardlings almost two hundred years ago. His position of influence is one that grates a fair few folk the wrong way, particularly those of a traditionalist and more religious bent, along with the higher ranking nobility in some ways. For he is the dwarf whom figured out successfully, and threw every ounce of energy he could over two hundred years, into steam power and locomotion. The result was a rather large labor and market shift that changed the political, social and economic climate the last few decades, and combined with Sky-Ships has seen the beginning of an age of modern industrialization, and the rather swift death of the true benefits of a feudalistic power structure for those on top, whom are in that position with most of the responsibilities now, but far less of the normal benefits. Some adapted, some 'new age nobility' were created, and some old family names that used to have weight have seen their wealth and influence disappear, including two of Azulron's own bannermen whom likely still hold a grudge and some loyal allies, though nothing has come of it in the last few years. The church also opposed this, given the sudden rush of access to learning, and education, and the ever dangerous curiosity this offered the lower classes.
Arch-Bishop Bokras Tullimac Grem: This silver-bearded dwarf is the region's arch-bishop and besides being the spiritual voice of Sir Kartheart's Cult upon the region's cabinet of advisors, he is also a staunch traditionalist, despising this whole 'industrialization' process and nonsense, at least publicly. Privately it is well known amongst the cabinet that he is quite the hypocrite, spreading church doctrine and traditionalist messages with his voice and outreach, but behind the scenes raking in a steady profit having invested in a variety of locomotive based ventures and interests. It was not the most well kept secret, though there are enough staunch traditionalists that would outright deny it publicly.
Admiral Thomas Martinook: The highest ranking military officer in the province, stationed at Fort East-Watch, Thomas Martinook is human, a man in his early fifties and is well known for his abrasive personality, hard demeanor, and for his lack of willingness to embrace certain protocols of behavior, such as bowing to most nobles, or acknowledging them as technically outranking him. This is because despite his age, he is no traditionalist, and appreciates Lord Protectorate Azulron's, and indeed, High King Cormac's own legislative alterations to the various rules, regulations and laws regarding how military, including navy, are to behave. It seems many traditionalist minded nobles and wealthy elites don't understand how the world is changing and some are quite influential. Indeed if not for being in Fleet Admiral Yvette's good books, and his friendship both personal and professional with Azulron and Duncan, he'd have likely been court-marshaled and locked up half a dozen times, if not completely stripped of rank and removed from service entirely.
Fiolag Felivan Con'veinia: A staunch traditionalist of elven heritage, he buts heads often with his liege lord, as one might expect, but in a hilarious twist of irony, it is his devotion to those traditionalist values that keeps him from doing more than vocally disagreeing with Lord Protectorate Azulron. He holds little love for Duncan or Admiral Martinook either, but otherwise not much of note worthy about this elf of four centuries in age.
Fiolag Corvas Lowin: This human lord is another staunch traditionalist within the politics of the region, and is well known to be rather extreme in his views, to points that have almost seen him stripped of his titles and lands a few times. He's been in open conflict with the Trade Guilds, he has been caught on numerous occasions treating peasants and lowborn rural common folk on the lands of his estate little better than livestock, hell in some cases worse. It does not look to change any time soon, despite the old man being in his mid seventies, as his sons are of a similar bent.
Fiolag Lanvori Atrium: A Vrock awarded his own lands and titles for bravery, whom served in the famed Iron Drakes, the elite musketeer unit of Suranth. The bravery he was awarded lands and a title for was due to being the only surviving member of Protectorate Azulron's honor guard when an attempt was made on his life only a decade ago. Lanvori and his fellows, two Storm Lancers and another Iron Drake, were ambushed in An Pointe Thoir by skilled assassins, local agents from the infamous Coal Hand Cutters, and their hired help. The street fight had been vicious, brutal and swift, leaving both Storm Lancers dead, Lanvori's fellow Iron Drake dying in an alley mouth with but enough left to fire both pistols as some of the killers tried to follow. Lanvori himself cut down three of them, and blew the magister they'd brought straight to the void with a well placed musket shot. He'd been wounded by half a dozen knife thrusts and two pistol shots, but the Vrock powered through and somehow got Azulron to a safe house, and managed to stay alive, and even fight off another assassin in the sewers as he got the dwarven lord back to safety. Their friendship and alliegance was properly forged that day, as can be seen below;
"I nae care 'ow much blood 'e's lost, by t'e Void, I nae care if Sir Kartheart 'imself descends from on 'igh ta take 'im, ye bring t'is man back ye 'ear me! Ye drop dead o' exhaustion before ye give up on t'is patient! T'at be an order!"
What Azulron is said to have told the surgeon charged with operating on Lanvori.
As such, it should go without saying Lanvori is another staunch ally for Azulron, and is no traditionalist.
Naturally there are others of various influence, but these are some of the most well known and arguably most important.
Culture
The culture of this region is one built of the Suranthi cultural habit of wasting nothing, which comes from living in such a harsh climate, naturally. But here is one of the innovation and industrial centers of growth from a technological standpoint. As the birthplace of the locomotive, and a key manufacturing hub for both rail and sail, as it were, this province's pulse can be measured off its artisans and its production of finished goods. It is one of the regions in the northland well known for being an 'Engine of Industrialization', a title and moniker that many whom live in the region take great pride in. Of course within that, opposing it in many ways, are the staunch traditionalists whom despise this growth and what its allowed the 'peasant' class to achieve. In truth they only notice at all because their lives have suddenly gotten more expensive, more difficult or in some cases, impossible. These folk are few and far between now, mostly of a religious-traditionalist bent, the few true 'old wealth and influence' nobility left in the province, most having moved or lost their fortunes in the last few decades of great economic change. A few of these relics still cling and try to exert their influence, try and make progress and time go backwards, not forwards. By and large though, this region has one of the more modernized cultural idealisms within the Suranthi way of life, and that comes in large part to being a center of production.
Assets
Fort East-Watch is a major one of course, the naval port and fortification well known for its fleet, positioning, and sheer defensibility. Besides this no shortage of local resources of worth are available, though for the most part it is the skilled workers that are the real asset. Those men and women whom make such impressive works possible with their skill and talents. The major towns are well fortified as well naturally, and each has some form of resource that is harvested. Wild game and food is also still gathered and hunted of course, though some farming does occur as well, hardy mountain sheep mostly, or puffin farming on the coast. But as a leading region for modernization and industrialization in Suranth, the tools and equipment they can produce and sell to their neighbors domestic and foreign is the biggest boon.
Besides all this of course, which is all well and good, it is still a dangerous land and one that has no shortage of political turmoil and unrest with the rapid economic and societal changes. As such a healthy military presence should come as no surprise, and below is noted the rough numbers of various troops within the province. In total the Durin Province can field some 5040 or so troops and military personal, all told. For the province's population, and her other contributions, including ships, weapons and armor manufactured at both an impressive rate and quality, this number of troops is considered reasonable for the region's total population.
1827 Clansmen
1172 Saltbeards
530 Tundra Rovers
378 Iron Riders
252 Storm Lancers
252 Iron Dragons
189 Warpriests/Priests/Magisters/Physicians
189 Engineers/Artisans
252 Wave-Runners (An assumed number based on percentage of Suranth's population the region has, that report to a handler in the region. No real concrete basis for this number.)
Besides all this of course, which is all well and good, it is still a dangerous land and one that has no shortage of political turmoil and unrest with the rapid economic and societal changes. As such a healthy military presence should come as no surprise, and below is noted the rough numbers of various troops within the province. In total the Durin Province can field some 5040 or so troops and military personal, all told. For the province's population, and her other contributions, including ships, weapons and armor manufactured at both an impressive rate and quality, this number of troops is considered reasonable for the region's total population.
1827 Clansmen
1172 Saltbeards
530 Tundra Rovers
378 Iron Riders
252 Storm Lancers
252 Iron Dragons
189 Warpriests/Priests/Magisters/Physicians
189 Engineers/Artisans
252 Wave-Runners (An assumed number based on percentage of Suranth's population the region has, that report to a handler in the region. No real concrete basis for this number.)
Demography and Population
The Durin Province is home to roughly 100000 of Suranth's 793000 citizens, and below is a rough demographic breakdown, though these numbers are again not this well known in world. (This is merely a player and gm tool if you all wish to use it for character creation, NPC populating of an area, and any other purpose.
| Race | Rough % of Population | Count |
| Dwarf | 32% | 32000 |
| Elf | 2% | 2000 |
| Halfling | 11% | 11000 |
| Human | 28% | 28000 |
| Gnome | 7% | 7000 |
| Vrock | 15% | 15000 |
| Tiefling | 5% | 5000 |
Territories
The Durin Province encompasses the lands from the southern edge of the Nordjeim Spines, just south and east of Lakvyer, following the lines of the Shivering Wood and the White-Tip Range. It extends south, following the eastern shores of the Glacial Sea, and Suranth's east coast, including any islands within sight of land off the coast as well. The province extends to the south, with the rough boundary following the line of the southern edge of the Sheer-Stone Range, using that rough line to the coast, to represent where the stated claims on lands and resources end and pass into the next region. Much like in the Ironcliffe Province there are large swathes of this land that merely falls under a claim more than having any sort of occupants, and these regions teem with danger both natural and often supernatural or straight up heretical as well. And as in the Ironcliffe Province some of these claims may be echoed by noble families and groups from other provinces and minor skirmishes could erupt when and if the time for such expansion arrives.
All told, the Durin Province encompasses some 190000 square kilometers of land, though this is a rough number of course, and large swathes of coastal waters besides.
All told, the Durin Province encompasses some 190000 square kilometers of land, though this is a rough number of course, and large swathes of coastal waters besides.
Technological Level
Early Industrial Revolution -Mid Industrial Revolution within Urban areas
Post Renaissance - Early Industrial Revolution in more Rural areas
Post Renaissance - Early Industrial Revolution in more Rural areas
Religion
Sir Kartheart is the favored, though Cormaq Thunderhand has a healthy following here as well, unsurprising given the majority of the economy in the region is driven by craftsmen. Worship of any of the Ruinous Powers is a crime punishable by execution of course.
Foreign Relations
Refer to the Nation of Suranth and their diplomatic relations and foreign policy.
Agriculture & Industry
This province has a surprising lack of food production workers on the surface of it, but in reality, that speaks more to the volume of trade wealth their skilled populace can offer than any lack of self sufficiency, for though hard to acquire, this region is hearty in its own way, mostly due to being riverland lowlands, and shielded by mountain ranges on two sides. It is a damper climate, and for a tundra, surprisingly temperate. However this province is an industrial hub, and that fact is front and center almost anywhere you go. Wagons, clothing, all manner of basic worked goods, along with of course the pride and joy, the crown jewel, An Pointe Thoir, a city that though a fair bit smaller in population than some other principal cities, it is by and large considered by many to be equally as vital and important as Geata-Iarainn. It is here that the great locomotives, the steam engines and the train carts for passenger and goods alike, are manufactured. It is here that the few Sky-Ships and parts needed to keep the Sky-port in Geata Iarainn are produced. It is here that nearly a fifth of the Suranthi Navy's fleet and armaments are produced. This city and province are a true center of innovation, invention and technological growth.
Trade & Transport
Being the birthplace of locomotion, it should be entirely unsurprising that this province is the most well connected province to the rail system, with two major settlements connected directly to the 'locomotive highway' that is the six track super corridor known as the VRC (Valerick Rail Corridor). Besides this, many major towns on the mainland are connected with an off-shooting branch of track to the nearest of these two settlements, and those that aren't likely will be in the coming decades. Besides this, overland travel is still an option of course, though it is the least used. Travel by boat or ship is the next most common, and is basically the best way to get anywhere that doesn't have a railyard and station.
Education
Within the cities there are programs available, and it is far less handled by individual families here. Most schooling still trains youth as their parents would, for it is generally handled by those whom are too old perhaps, or otherwise now incapable of physically doing their craft at the necessary pace of that the work would demand, be this due to age or other disabling factor. Those who can no longer do at the necessary level of skill, speed and quality, well they teach, and pass on their knowledge and skill to the next generations, the kids of their fellow craftsmen whom they worked beside. These kids are normally coming in at ten to eleven years of age, for humans, and equivalently for the other races, and there is some basic 'schooling' before this, but again, handled more by the family and their decisions than anything mandated. This does not mean schooling facilities and the like don't exist, far from it. Merely that they cost, they are not government provided. They oft teach basics of math and language, and not too much else.
This is for the youth of course. But for those whom wish to pursue further actual proper education, there are a plethora of options, as each guild hall basically doubles as a trade school.
This is for the youth of course. But for those whom wish to pursue further actual proper education, there are a plethora of options, as each guild hall basically doubles as a trade school.
Infrastructure
This region is perhaps the most technologically advanced within Suranth, which should come as no surprise. Only the most rural of areas do not have proper sewers and aqueducts. Railyards and rail stations connect the larger towns, along with well maintained rails and roads. Factories and craftsmen workshops can be found all about the settlements, and it is oft said that An Pointe Thoir is a city that one can walk about at any hour day or night and hear the sound of tools working steel or lumber or other materials, or the sound of locomotives, metal on metal, as trains are loaded and unloaded, cars hooked and unhooked.
Deanaimis Ensur Orthu!! (Let's Hammer Them!!!)
Maps
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Vithang Duicacht
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Artium Baruntacht
These are the lands and seas under guardianship and influence of Fiolag Lanvori Artium, a new age noble, freshly appointed, these lands gifted unto him and his family for stellar bravery in the face of implausible odds. -
Durin Province, Suranth
Map of the Durin Province within Suranth, the lands east of the Glacial Sea. -
Lowin Baruntacht
This map shows the lands and settlements under the direct sway and trust of Fiolag Lowin -
Port Armos
This is the Map of Port Armos, the fortified town that sits as the seat of central authority and the largest settlement of the Artium Estate, within the Durin Province. -
An Pointe Thoir
This is the Map of An Pointe Thoir, the Principal City of the Durin Province, nestled against the coast of the Nor'westor Sea, on the north side of Durin's Run where the Run empties into the ocean. -
Con'Veinia Baruntacht
The lands entrusted to and governed by the Con'Veinia family line, an elven family, the only one in all of Suranth with such status.
Type
Geopolitical, Province
Capital
Leader Title
Head of State
Head of Government
Government System
Monarchy, Elective
Economic System
Mixed economy
Currency
Gold Suns
Silver Moons
Copper Stars
Silver Moons
Copper Stars
Major Exports
Any manufactured goods one can think of more or less, from guns to ships, wagon wheels to top end armor, basic tools, to high end specialized trade equipment and almost anything in between. Though it is their manufacturing of various transportation vehicles that makes up the largest piece, and is in the highest demand. Boats, ships, rail cars and locomotives, wagons and carts of all sorts, and Sky-Ship parts. This province is one of the major hubs for such production in the NPA region, and favored by most of Western Raechin and all of Eastern Suranth.
Major Imports
Most raw material is brought in from outside, be it from the other provinces of Suranth, or from other places abroad. This does not mean nothing is harvested locally of course, just not in nearly enough volume to support the industrial complex in the region.
Official State Religion
Parent Organization
Related Ranks & Titles
Controlled Territories
Neighboring Nations
Notable Members
Comments