Harden
| settlement name | duchy | district/province | type | population | founding year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harden § | Barban | Greater Province of D'Aad | town | 45,000 | 4428 |
Harden lies 35km north of Camfor, on the plains between the Forest of Kova and the Grey Forest, within the Greater Province of D’Aad.
This important town, located on the Aethyn River, is the military capital of Kalderesh, and is strategically located in a broad valley with ready access to other major centres.
The Royal Road enters Harden from three directions: south (to Camfor), north (to Staven), and west (to Cerosfor). At each approach is a massive stone monument, towering some 200 feet into the air. The monument to the south is a sword, that to the north is of a skylance, while a huge mace stands to the west.
Harden is very clearly a military stronghold, and its architecture and layout reinforce this. Multiple rings of defensive walls, tall towers with war engines, elevated landing platforms for griffons of the Sky Cavalry and no doubt other secret measures make Harden impenetrable.
Nestled in the western quarter of the town is a highly sought-after geothermal water source. The curative powers of these hot springs are legendary. A fane of Oohm is associated with the hot springs.
Alart Garrett, Earl of Harden, is the lord of the town, and as a peer of the realm and an accomplished mage, his presence further elevates the prominence of Harden. The Earl is a known expert in underground navigation and geography. He enjoys calligraphy as a pastime, and collects manuscripts and books with unique scripts.
The town receives substantial financial support from the Crown to fund its primary function: a military power-house. The best armourers and weaponsmiths are found in Harden, and the town profits greatly from the sale of these elite items.
A large portion of Harden is a military base; indeed, some commentators have described Harden as a military base with an urban fringe. Although Harden is under control of Earl Garrett, it is also home to the High Marshal of Kalderesh, Lord Jaecob Bayes, who is the Commander of the Royal Armies. Lord Bayes is the highest-ranked person in the realm who is not directly involved with the day-to-day running of the kingdom. He is also the highest-ranking military officer in the realm. Lord Bayes has a seat on both the Big Council and the Iron Table, making him the most eminent citizen of Harden. In addition to his long list of military accomplishments, he is also a noted astronomer and diviner. As a member of the Nobility, he often receives nobles, diplomats, and great officers as guests in the Red Tower.
Lord Bayes’ close colleague is Chief Mathoe Barr, a peer of the realm and Chief of Artillerists, in charge of siege and counter-siege equipment throughout the nation. Chief Barr, who has a seat at the Iron Table, is often in the company of Cavalier Lord Emilanus Vintner, a member of the Circle of the Glowing Flame.
A striking feature of the military personnel stationed in Harden is the tradition to dye their hair red, no matter the rank or social status of the individual. A member of the military is thus readily identifiable.
Harden is also home to another peer of the realm, Countess Lilia Stone, who is the Administrator of the Greater Province of D'Aad. The entire Province is her responsibility, and she has a large, capable staff reporting to her.
The Earl of Harden leaves the administration of the town to the council, headed by the Lord Mayor, Jordyn Bull. The town council has six other members, which include Kaelya Hunter, Chloe Fisher, and Levy Wheatly (a sage to the Guild of Clerks & Scribes).
Harden has a stockpile of preserved food, in case of war or disaster. It is managed by Grand Wizard Thomas Roades, a remarkably outgoing mage who enjoys rock climbing, to the point of refusing to use Feather Fall.
There are over 100 places of worship in Harden. Two Grand Temples grace the town. The most impressive is the Grand Temple of D’Aad, presided over by Grand High Priest Amelya Palms. The temple complex is built around the preserved ancient ruin of the first fane of D’Aad, which was destroyed in a fire long ago.
The Grand Temple of Sahir is run by the Great High Priest Chaerles Broiles. Its supporters include the Archmage Ridyr Tannerman, Enchanter Mythro Swimmer, and the Supreme Wizard Dreia Threddaker. A small museum is located in the temple grounds. The temple has a close relationship with the Wizard’s Guild.
There are two Temples in Harden: one to Razim, another to Qidra. The Qidranian Temple is presided over by High Priest Aurora Waller. Inside the temple’s Holy of Holies, it rains permanently.
The Razimite Temple is presided by High Priest Bryus Spears. The temple holds the annual Lost Souls Parade, at midwinter, commemorating those who passed on while on military service during the previous year.
Elsewhere in the town are five fanes, seven chapels, 34 chantries, 39 shrines, and 16 all-gods.
Two Guilds have their impressive Great Halls in Harden: the Guild of Harness Makers & Saddlers (overseen by Master Ericus Salt) and the Guild of Hostliers (overseen by Master Dalilya Spicer). The Small Hall of the Guild of Watercarriers (managed by Warden Genaesys Salt) is also located in Harden.
Other guilds that are particularly active include the Royal Guilde of Magic (Josaeth Bridges), Guild of Merchants (Thalia Glasier), Guild of Armorers & Locksmiths (Maxus Bay), Guild of Jewelers (Ryanna Wahl, Bryne Bolter), Guild of Clay & Stone Workers (Connyr Kettle, Ericus Pan), Guild of Builders (Haroldus Pollen), and the Guild of Furriers (Sarah Singer).
Two notable sages work from Harden: Grand Wizard Samwell Wahl (Specialist in Architecture and Building, Expert in Philosophy, Land animals) and Supreme Wizard Davyd Wool (Specialist in medicinal properties of plants, Expert in Meteorology, Minerals and gems).
Armour manufactured in Harden is much sought-after, and its production is closely monitored by Master Ezekius Woodhouse and his steward Samytha Rainard.
The Wizard’s Guild, overseen by the Archmage Evylann Berger, is dedicated almost exclusively to the business of war. The Apportation Division of the Guild is also well-staffed, and is run by Lord Victorus Star.
The renowned Grand Archmage Ulmo, Lord of the Elements, has a home in Harden, as does the Supreme Wizard Arya Isles, Ruler of Time.
Belgaren, the Sword Lord, also has a private residence in Harden, and has been seen in the company of Lord Ulmo on occasion.
Other elite inhabitants include Charlus Colter (Gladiator), Kaelya Hunter (Craft Master), Leia Iles (Grand Wizard and independent scholar), Stylla Wall (Grand Wizard and sage), Chloe Fisher (Steward, Merchant’s Guild) and Sir Jacus Lodges (Sword and Shield Master cavalier).
Daenyel Shears, Gaebriel Seemworth, and Gianna Mills are well-known mercenaries for hire from Harden. The outlaw Bastyen Pollin is believed to have a hideout in Harden. From time to time, reports are received that the hulking barbarian Berwyn Ibsaz Rendbrain visits Harden.
The general public may not recognize these important nobles, peers and archmages, but everyone knows the Scarlet Bruiser. This 7-foot tall martial artist is the best wrestler and boxer in Kalderesh, and a hero to many thousands.
Just outside the town, now set off from the main road, is a picturesque lake. A famous meadery – Falcon’s Plunge– is located on the shore of the lake, and draws water from it for its much-loved beverage.