Founding

The completion of Ryeka's Guildhold near the source of the Keeka River marked a turning point in their relationship with the nearby Harka tribes. Initially marred by clashes and skirmishes, the superior dwarven armor proved dominant over the primitive weapons of the Harka, leading to a begruding acceptance of the dwarven pressence. This newfound peace paved the way for trade, and over time, the presence of the Elderkin influenced the Harka society greatly.

As the Orcs of the Red Steppes moved west, conquering lands and kingdoms, the dwarfs of the Red Mountain responded to the looming threat. The War of Harka unfolded as a brutal conflict, with dwarves, beastkin, and orcs facing heavy losses on all sides. However, as reinforcements arrived and the orcish momentum was crushed at Turangar, the tide turned in favor of the united forces.

The war forged a new bond between the dwarfs and the Harka, with the beastkin seeing their dwarven allies in a new light. To commemorate the hard-fought victory and celebrate their newfound alliance, the industrious dwarfs of Ryeka turned to their expertise: construction. The Great Brass Bull, a monumental symbol of dwarven craftsmanship, was erected outside Ryeka's gates, standing as a testament to the resilience of the united forces and the enduring friendship between the dwarfs and the Harka.

As the War of the Dawn unfolded, the Guildhold of Ryeka, in adherence to the orders of their liege, the Highking, joined forces with the rest of the Red Mountain Dominion. The dwarven warriors of Ryeka, led by their Highking, marched west, aligning themselves with rivals from the Union of Great Holds. Together, they entered the Empire of Elruth to confront the upstarts of Voskgardia. The combined might of three dwarven highkings and five elven emperors proved overwhelming, finaly wiping Voskgardia off the map.

However, victory came at a cost. Many Ryekans, including the Highking of the Red Mountains, sacrificed their lives in the conflict, and a significant number of the fallen never returned home. The veterans of the war shared stories of untold horrors and the surprising resemblance of human technology to their own. Yet, the pragmatic traditions of Ryeka proved to have merit, and the guildhold redoubled its efforts to improve its craft.

With no Highking elected following the War of the Dawn, Ryeka now stands alongside four other Great Guildholds as one of the main contenders for the throne. The opportunity, never seen for millennia, rekindles a new drive in the Ryekans as the prospect of claiming the highest dwarven authority beckon. 

May the chime of brass and the echoing horns herald the might of Ryeka—nothing will stand in the way of profit!

At the apex of the Guildhold's power structure is the Board of High Lords. These individuals, distinguished by their wealth and influence, form the oligarchy that holds significant sway over Ryeka's affairs. The High Lords also hold their own council, where matters brought forth by the Guild Council are thoroughly examined and debated.

One of the significant responsibilities of the High Lords is to elect a leader known as the Thane or King. This individual is meant to represent the entire Guildhold of Ryeka and make critical decisions on its behalf. However, the process of electing a Thane often becomes a complex affair. Each member of the High Lords possesses the right to vote for themselves, leading to a potential deadlock. This has resulted in a situation where Ryeka currently lacks a reigning king.

The Thane is expected to be the leader of the Guildhold and has the responsibility to select a spokesperson to represent Ryeka at the larger political stage, the Red Mountains Congress. However, the ongoing deadlock in the election process further complicates matters, leaving Ryeka currently without a singular figurehead.