Barkenbar

Building things has always been a part of dwarven culture and so Barkenbar is one of the oldest Guildholds in the Red Mountains, their masons and craftsmen have helped shape the mountains into what it is today. Though officially the guildhold has had as many identities and its rulers and inhabitants have changed as often as the many architectural styles that have been invented by its many architects, its roots can still in its most ancient buildings be traced back to the dwarven homelands in West Parthus. 

In the last couple decades of the First Age the dwarven prospectors that some years later founded the first holds of the Union of Great Holds in the Thunderpeaks walked out of Barkenbars great gates. When the First Gate opened up in what is now Midboria, Barkenbar was quick to send troops to defend the smaller dwarven colonies in the Thunderpeaks against the return of the Forgotten. Losing a large chunk of its population and resources during the strife Barkenbar’s leadership wished to milk whatever they could out of the colony. 

Resulting in more and more resources going back to the Guildhold rather than building up the holds in the Thunderpeaks. This, along other geopolitical tensions resulted in the Union of Greatholds rebelling against Red Mountain rule. Becoming an independent nation in 392 of the Second Age. The embarrassment of losing out on the territory and with the Union including once loyal members of Barkenbar who felt that the years of exploitation was quite “un-dwarven” even akin to treating fellow dwarves nearly as worse as Lesserkin caused the ruling Grand Architect to Abdicate in shame. 

The new Grand Architect Druan Nojir Barken, wishing to right their predecessors wrongs, sought a closer and more equal relationship with the Union. Under their guidance was the First half of the Great Dwarven Highway constructed between the Red Mountains and the Thunderpeaks. Which stood finished 400 years later, its opening overseen by Druan’s granddaughter Kaina Koirn Barken, was a marvel of Dwarven Engineering. The Guildhold, now named after the family who made the wonder gained fame within the Red Mountain, many holdless Guilds wishing to contract Barkenbar for their own projects. With Kaina marrying the thane of Burudeg, a Guildhold famed for its quarries and number of raw manpower saw a golden age rise for Barkenbar.

The arrival of the Orcish hordes saw again the troops of Barkenbar take to the field along with the other guildholds forces. The Highking of the Union of Greatholds along with elven envoys humbly asked the Red Mounains for aid in stoping the menace before the hordes would reach the Dwarven Highway and West Ciradon hearthlands. 

While the elves prepared to push the orcs from the coast of the Ruby Sea, the dwarves focused on the northern reaches above the Red Mountain. With the orcs besieging Degergan and anticipating the orcs to go around through the Panbar Gap , the Guildhold of Barkenbar started construction of the fortifications later known as the Crimson Gate. With the Guildhold of Burudeg’s reliable workforce gone after the opening of the 4th gate and the hold takeover by Ryeka. The Dwarven war engineers along with a human workforce taken from the petty fiefdoms of the Reinhart lowlands managed to complete the main bastion of the Crimson Gate in record time, proving that with Elderkin guidance and Lesserkin labour anything is possible. 

The massive walls connecting the different heights and mountains grew from the central bastion while under constant attack from orcish raiders, eventually the Panbar gap was closed off by dwarven stone, human blood and the orcish dead. Though some orcish tribes managed to flee into West-Ciradon, the brunt of the orcish hordes were funnelled south, eventually ending the Orcish wars as it ploughed through the Kingdom of Turangar. 

The years following the orcish wars saw less and less need for architects and engineers, as much of the Red Mountains started to be hollowed out and the completion of the Crimson Gate ended the contract to Urd-Ferdurun that had given the Guildhold wealth for nearly a century. Different architects rose and fell from power and many new schools of thoughts saw a rise as the Guildhold sought new ways to gain contracts. 

During the 2000s SA it became popular for foreign powers to hire a Barkenbar architect to oversee construction of their landmarks and infrastructure, though this was a source of less income than what the guidhold was used to, it still proved that their expertise and reputation still was as sturdy as the monuments that they had built. Nearly all rivers and ravines had at least one bridge made by a Barkenbar architect crossing it, be it in elven territories or dwarven, even the poor kings of human kingdom would empty their coffers just to have a Barkenbar architect oversee the construction of their Motte and Bailey castles and towers. 

Through the years of stagnation and peace would see Barkennar stand lower in wealth; it still allowed the creativity and renown of individual architects to bloom, with every generation trying to one up its predecessor, this resulted both in the Guildhold itself becoming one of the largest surface cities of the Red Mountain as well as giving every building in the  Guildhold a contrasting and unique look.

The Tassendrel Invasion of Voskgardia in year 0 of the Third Age did not affect the Red Mountains in the starting years. Though as the War of the Dawn raged on more and more materiel, such as food and dwarven weapons was shipped along the Dwarven Highway to the forces of the Umrinor Cordinale, Barkenbars economy again grew. 

As more news of the horrors that the humans inflicted and their strange new way of waging war came back along the Highway a new shift in the schools of Barkenbar started to be developed. More and more dwarven diplomats travelled west to the lands of Tassendrel and beyond, bringing new ideas and doctrines back. As the War of the Dawn reached its 4th year, new ways of making fortifications and siegecraft techniques where starting to be developed in liaison with dwarven commanders and engineers from both the Elruth Empire and the Union of Greatholds 

As the Red Mountain joined the Umrinor Cordiale, the Grand Architect along with their war engineers marched along the troops of the Urd-Ferdurun down the Dwarven Highway to crush the upstart Voskgardians. Though the Red Mountains mostly provided war materiel and food for the conflict, the expertise of Barkenbari war engineers provided crucial in pushing the humans back both contributing in making Cordinale trenches and bunkers as well as helping destroy enemy fortifications (some even designed by Barkenbar itself).

As Voskgardia surrendered, the warhost of Barkenbar along with the rest of Urd-Ferdurun troops returned home with stories of horror and madness. Yet, where most see only destruction and ruins the architects of Barkenbar saw opportunity.

After the War of the Dawn, Barkenbar provided guidance and manpower for the rebuilding of cities affected by the war. Even if the Elruth Empire had fallen their remains still needed rebuilding. Barkenbar sold its services to anyone who could pay, be it rebuilding the destroyed castle of an elven noble or repairing the infrastructure of war torn lands. For the first time since the end of the Orcish wars Barkenbar again saw infighting between schools and architects, each vying for the best contracts. 

The now wealthy and powerful Grand Architect Hirak Byparken; like a pretty building, shows a facade of unity and cooperation to the rest of the Red Mountain, yet in reality the Guildhold saw infighting and dissent weekly as rival factions of architects and engineers tried to one up each other, the Grand Architect barely maintaining peace with bribes and threats..

Today Barkenbar is one of the wealthiest guildholds in the Red Mountain, and thanks to the newly constructed Pan-Continental railway connecting the human realms of Istunia and Turangar its power continues to grow. Barkenbar along with the Guildholds of Ryeka, Traken, Degergan and Urd-Golkaen makes up the five most powerful Guildholds of the Red Mountains, each one ready to claim the empty seat of the Highking.

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At the helm of Barkenbar sits the Thane, a position of absolute authority and prestige earned through merit and expertise in architecture. Unlike traditional hereditary leadership, the Thane of Barkenbar ascends to power based on their collected wealth, accomplishments, contributions to the guildhold, and mastery of architectural principles and traditions. As such the Thane of Barkenbar also holds the title of Grand Architect.

Assisting the Thane in governing Barkenbar is the Monument Council, a body of esteemed architects and engineers who hold significant sway in guildhold affairs, often being the headmasters of different schools. The council deliberates on matters of policy, foreign politics, and infrastructure development, ensuring that Barkenbar remains at the forefront of architectural innovation across Ciradon.

Supporting the Thane and the council are key officials such as the Master of Contracts and the General of Projects. The Master of Contracts oversees negotiations, trade agreements, and financial transactions, playing a pivotal role in Barkenbar's economic prosperity. Meanwhile, the General of Projects manages the execution of large-scale construction endeavours, coordinating labour and resources, including military assets. 

As a member of the Urd-Ferdurun, Barkenbar participates in collective decision-making processes that shape the political landscape of the Red Mountain congress. Collaborating with other guildholds and holds, Barkenbar contributes its expertise and resources to regional initiatives, infrastructure projects, and defence efforts.

Barkenbar's masonry and craftsmanship stand as a testament to dwarven ingenuity, precision, and artistic expression. For centuries, the guildhold has been at the forefront of architectural innovation and technology, producing awe-inspiring structures that reflect the diversity of dwarven culture. Among Barkenbar's many contributions to architectural history are the distinct styles that have flowed out of the guildhold, each named after the great architects who shaped them.

Named after the visionary Grand Architect Druan Nojir Barken, Barkic Architecture embodies a blend of “new age” Ciradon design with elements of Parthusian storyscript. Characterised by its imposing stone facades, with intricate carvings covering most flat surfaces often in the form of text and stories, Barkic structures reflect the grandeur and sophistication of Barkenbar's golden age. The Great Dwarven Highway, a marvel of engineering and a symbol of dwarven unity, stands as the pinnacle of Classical  Barkic Architecture with most of its surface containing a library's worth of text.

Koirinist, named after Kaina Koirn Barken, represents a departure from the austere lines of traditional dwarven architecture. Influenced by elven aesthetics and natural forms, Koirnist structures feature graceful curves, organic motifs, and nature inspired proportions. The Burudeg Bridge, spanning the chasm of Borvok Ravine with its elegant arches and sweeping spans made to look like hardened magma, exemplifies the beauty and grace of Koirinist Architecture.

The Tiiric Style, inspired by the horrors of the War of the Dawn, is characterised by its bold experimentation and unconventional use of materials due to shortages during the war. Tiiric structures push the boundaries of dwarven engineering, incorporating dwarven concrete, glass and unrefined stones into their design. The Barkenbar Observatory, with its sleek lines on top of a stacked stonewall, epitomises the resourceful spirit of Tiiric Style.

Traditional Nojirite pays homage to the legacy of Grand Architect Druan Nojir Barken, celebrating the guildhold's rich heritage and cultural identity. Rooted in dwarven traditions and ancestral wisdom, Nojirite structures exude a sense of timelessness and permanence, adorned with intricate carvings of gilded metals and enchanted runes, Structures like Ryekas Council-chamber reflects the grandeur of Nojarite Structures.

Modern Hirakian Architecture, named after the current Grand Architect Hirak Byparken, reflects a return to pragmatic dwarven values and craftsmanship. Focused on durability, functionality, and utility over elegance, Hirakian structures prioritise practicality without sacrificing beauty. The simple yet sturdy bridges and tunnels of the Pan-Continental Railway, embodies the strength and resilience of Hirakian Craftsmanship.

Barkenbar, with its deep roots in dwarven culture and architecture, has a pragmatic approach to life. The guildhold's culture is shaped by dwarven ideas and aesthetics as much as the buildings they create. Barkenbar has dwarves from all over the Red Mountain and beyond attending their engineering and architecture schools, and as such Barkenbar has for centuries been the melting pot of new dwarven ideas. 

Central to Barkenbar's culture is a deep reverence for craftsmanship and practicality. Dwarves take pride in their workmanship, valuing precision, durability, and functionality in every structure they build. Whether constructing bridges, monuments, or fortifications, Barkenbar's artisans adhere to time-honoured techniques while embracing innovation to meet the evolving needs of their society- As such, the facades and outsides of Barkenbari structures might be different, at its core they all follow traditional techniques passed down for centuries. .

Rituals within Barkenbar often centred around architectural achievements celebrated with great pomp and ceremony. . Ground-breaking ceremonies with pick and shovel, cornerstone placements, and the completion of significant projects are marked with ceremonies that involve music, communal meals, and dancing with specially crafted banners and flags. As the dwarves involved celebrate the end of many months or even decades of labour. 

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• Barkenbar was created by ZimZamZimbaloo.