5001-HârnWorld/3rd Edition/6

Located in the eastern interior of Hârn, Kaldor is a feudal realm ruled by King Miginath from his royal castle in the city of Tashal. Founded more than five centuries ago (188), external threats to Kaldor have been minimal but internal strife has been common, notably the Kaldoric Civil War (362–377) and Baronial Revolt (599–603). Both conflicts were the result of a tendency for kings to draw too much power into their own hands at the expense of the barons. The current dynasty, Clan Elendsa, was founded in 603 and has encouraged a return to traditional principles of feudalism and chivalry while maintaining royal justice.

The present monarch, King Miginath Elendsa, was 41 when he succeeded his father (Torastra) in 693. He has always been sickly and there are yearly predictions of his imminent death from any of numerous ailments. After 27 years, the aged king continues to baffle his subjects simply by getting up each morning. He has never married, leaving the succession a matter of contention between three bastard sons and a score of nieces and nephews. During his reign, Miginath has substantially increased the royal bureaucracy, handing out new offices in exchange for concessions from individual nobles and their clans. He is popular with the common people because he has kept the kingdom prosperous and at peace.

Many of the lands claimed by Kaldor are controlled by tribal nations. In the western Chelmarch, the Salt Route crosses Chelni and Kath lands. Kaldor has a token presence at Trobridge Inn but only because the Chelni allow it to survive. The southern Oselmarch lies within Pagaelin territory, a region crossed by the Genin Trail and subject to raids. Beyond the Pagaelin territory lies small but rich Chybisa, a kingdom to which Kaldor occasionally asserts a claim.

The commercial life of Kaldor and its merchant class peaks at the great Tashal Summer Fair. Caravans converge on this economic hub city from all corners of Hârn: from Orbaal down the Fur Road, from Azadmere along the Silver Way, from Thay and the Lythian continent via the Genin Trail, and from western Hârn by the Salt Route. Mercantylers trade through much of the summer before returning home with wagons laden with goods.

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