Editing Alethkar

{{nation
|map=Locator_Alethkar.png
|capital=[[Kholinar]]
|ruler=Queen [[Jasnah Kholin]]
|occupied=[[Singer]]s
|ethnicity=[[:Category: Alethi|Alethi]]
|world=Roshar
|universe=[[Cosmere]]
|books=[[The Stormlight Archive]]
}}
{{update|sa4|tsm}}
{{quote
|We've got a noble heritage, Kal, darkeyes and lighteyes alike. That’s why the best warriors have always been from Alethkar.
|[[Laral]]{{book ref|sa1|16}}
}}

'''Alethkar''' is a country in eastern [[Roshar]]. It borders [[Jah Keved]] to the west, the [[Unclaimed Hills]] to the east, and the [[Frostlands]] to the south. Alethkar is the largest country on Roshar, and is the largest and most prominent of the five [[Vorinism|Vorin]] nations, with a population in the hundreds of thousands.{{book ref|sa4|50}} People from Alethkar are known as '''Alethi''', and their royal colors are blue and gold.{{book ref|sa1|69}} The Alethi are known world-wide for militarism and fighting nature.

Prior to the [[True Desolation]], the Alethi were engaged in the [[War of Reckoning]] against the [[listeners]].{{book ref|sa1|23}} As of {{rosharan date|1175}} on the Vorin Calender, the vast majority of their territory is under the control of the [[Voidbringer]]s.{{book ref|sa3|120}}

== Etymology ==
The name ''Alethkar'' is of unsure meaning, but it stems from the name of the Silver Kingdom of ''Alethela'', which later became what is now known as Alethkar.{{book ref|sa1|19}}{{map ref|Silver Kingdoms}} The demonym ''Alethi'' is derived from Alethkar. 

The Alethi are called the ''Tagarut'' by the [[Azish]], this term means "Breakers" in Azish. This refers to their destructive nature during their invasions of Azir.{{book ref|tsm|26}} Singers refer to Alethkar as ''Avendla'', this is ancient [[Singer]] for ''Land of the Second Advance''.{{book ref|sa4|14}}

== Geography ==
{{image|Alethkar Color.jpg|side=right|width=300px|Map of Alethkar. Alethi territories (barring the [[Shattered Plains]]) are marked in purple.}}

=== Borders and Territories ===
Alethkar lies in eastern [[Roshar]], stretching across the entire continent, from the [[Steamwater Ocean]] in the North to the [[Tarat Sea]] in the South-West. To the East, it leans on the [[Unclaimed Hills]], while to the South, it reaches the nationless [[Frostlands]] and the [[Shattered Plains]], the latter of which it has recently claimed for itself. To the West, Alethkar has a long and long-disputed border with [[Jah Keved]], which currently follows two rivers and the bend of the [[Sunmaker Mountains]]. To the North-West, Alethkar borders [[Herdaz]] across a stretch of land decided through many years of border conflicts.{{map ref|Roshar}}{{book ref|sa3|52}} 

It has an area around 7,134,000 km<sup>2</sup>.{{17s ref|blog|634-roshar-physical-characteristics-and-areas|text=Roshar Physical Characteristics And Areas|date=2018-08-30|name=RosharAreas}} 

Besides the mainland, the Alethi have a number of territories off the coast. On the [[Steamwater Ocean]], Alethkar has [[Akak]] and a number of surrounding islands, giving it complete control over the [[Bay of Elibath]]. On the [[Tarat Sea]] - more specifically, a region of it called [[Mevan Bay]] - it controls a number of small islands in the delta of [[Deathbend River]], near the city of [[Karanak]].{{map ref|Alethkar}}

=== Interior ===
At the tail end of the [[Era of Solitude]], Alethkar is the largest state on Roshar, covering around seven million square kilometers of land.{{ref|name=RosharAreas}} Despite the fact that it is far more exposed to the [[highstorm]]s than any country further West, large swathes of it are lush with animals and vegetation.{{book ref|sa3|5}} It has numerous rivers crossing it, the two major ones being [[Windrunner River|Windrunner]] and [[Deathbend River|Deathbend]]. The Windrunner River runs East to West, from Unclaimed Hills to the Bay of Elibath, and has numerous tributaries across the northern half of the country. The Deathbend River likewise starts in the Unclaimed Hills, though it turns South, ultimately ending in the Mevan Bay, with one of its major tributaries being an enormous lake called the [[Sea of Spears]]. The North and South of Alethkar are divided by a long, cross-shaped masiff called the [[Sunmaker Mountains]].{{map ref|Alethkar}}

=== Climate ===
Due to how far east it is, Alethkar is buffeted by particularly heavy highstorms. This forces settlements to primarily be built on the leeward sides of laits.{{book ref|sa1|16}}{{cite}} These leeward sides are also far more lush with plant life, due to the protection the liats provide from powerful highstorm winds.{{file ref|Lait.jpeg|Lait study}} 

=== Notable cities ===
<!-- That the city has a name does not make it notable, so let's not list every city on the map -->
{{for|Alethkar#Known_Princedoms|a more complete list|here}}
* [[Kholinar]] - the seat of [[House Kholin]] and the national capital following Alethkar's unification. The [[Alethela]] [[Oathgate]] is located there.
* [[Rathalas]] - ruined city once known for being constructed in a massive canyon for safety. It was burned down by [[Dalinar Kholin]] following the rebellion of the local [[highprince]], [[Tanalan]].
* [[Revolar]] - one of the largest cities in the [[Vamah]] princedom. During the [[True Desolation]], it's taken over by the [[Voidbringer]]s and used as a major assembly point for their armies.
* [[Hearthstone]] - a large town in the [[Sadeas princedom]], and home of [[Kaladin Stormblessed]].
* [[Dumadari]] - a major city on the border of Alethkar and [[Jah Keved]].

== History ==
=== Creation ===
The land that would become known as Alethkar was created at an unknown point before the [[Shattering]] by Adonaslium, along with the rest of Roshar and the Rosharan supercontinent over ten-thousand years prior to Vorin year {{Rosharan date|1174}}.{{wob ref|3953}}{{wob ref|3952}}{{wob ref|1355}}{{book ref|tsm|11}} It is unclear how much the geography of modern-day Alethkar has changed compared to the land at creation.

=== Pre-Human Arrival ===
Before humanity arrived on Roshar from Ashyn, the land that would come to be known as Alethkar was inhabited by [[Singers]].{{book ref|sa3|113}} 

Circa -5825 in the Vorin calendar,{{book ref|row|111}}{{book ref|row|14}} humanity arrived on Roshar after fleeing Ashyn and were granted the land that would become [[Shinovar]]. After less than a generation,{{wob ref|11945}} they headed an invasion, slaughtering the Singers and expelling them from their land and claiming it as their own, this included the land that would come to be known as Alethkar.{{book ref|sa3|113}} This history was lost to time until the discovery of the [[Eila Stele]].{{book ref|sa3|113}}

=== The Silver Kingdoms ===
{{image|Silver Kingdoms.jpg|side=right|width=450px|Map of the Silver Kingdoms}}
{{for|Alethela}}
Alethkar was founded as [[Alethela]] in the [[Silver Kingdoms]] Epoch, settled by Ashynite emigrants who arrived on Roshar in Shinovar, before eventually expanding outward and conquering the rest of Roshar. They were an extremely militaristic nation which remembered and studied the arts of war so that they would be able to teach it to new generations whenever a Desolation came.{{book ref|sa1|19}} Due to this, the Knight's Radiant primarily lived in Alethela, even if their operations were based in [[Urithiru]].{{book ref|sa1|19}} This militarism laid the foundation for modern Alethi militarism and military strength.

Its territory during this era was larger than its current territory, including the [[Unclaimed Hills]] in the Rosharan far east.{{map ref|Silver Kingdoms}}{{map ref|Roshar}}

Due to the Desolations, they were constantly returned back to early technological levels, often to the point to making use of stone tools. Though they advanced each time with the help of the Heralds whenever they returned, often helping them to enter into the bronze age, often receiving this assistance from [[Kalak]] and his [[Willshapers]].{{book ref|sa2|i|7}}{{book ref|sa1|part=prelude}}{{wob ref|1430}}{{wob ref|13779}}

Very early in the nation's history, the Dawncity of [[Kholinar]] was created and made into its capital.{{book ref|sa1|60}} It eventually was made into the home of the Alethelan Oathgate.{{book ref|sa3|87}} Despite its age, it still stands as of {{rosharan date|1175}}, making it one of the oldest cities on Roshar. 

It was the place that many people wanted Urithiru to be built, likely due to Alethkar being the home to the Knight's Radiant. Despite this, for a reason obvious to many others at the time, it could not be, instead being built in the mountains near [[Makabakam]].{{epigraph ref|sa1|35}}

==== The Rule of Nohadon ====
At some point early in its history, prior to year 31 of the Sixth Epoch,{{wob ref|16437}}{{book ref|sa1|18}}{{book ref|sa1|59}} it was ruled over by King [[Nohadon]].{{book ref|sa1|60}}{{book ref|sa1|24}} During one Desolation during his life, they fought for over eleven years and nine-in-ten Alethelan citizens were killed.{{book ref|sa1|60}} [[Eiliz]], [[Tarma]], and [[Sur]], likely sub-divisions of Alethela, fell during this Desolation. They are no longer remembered in modern historical memory by {{rosharan date|1173}}.{{book ref|sa1|60}} 

Nohadon wanted to abdicate due to the tragic events of this Desolation, however, he kept his throne and tried to rebuild. Over the decades, he successfully managed to rebuild Alethela into a bustling and colorful place.{{book ref|sa3|103}} Eventually, he went to war with [[Makabakam]] over trade routes, the full effects this had on both kingdoms are unknown.{{book ref|sa3|103}}  

Nohadon was a very influential figure on the ideals that form the backbone of the Knights Radiant.{{book ref|sa1|18}}

==== Further Desolations ====
The Sixth Epoch lasted at least thirty-one years, and likely significantly longer, before its Desolation arrived.{{wob ref|16437}} 

One of the many Desolations that struck the nation, along with the rest of Roshar, arrived in the year {{rosharan date|337}} of the Eighth Epoch. This Desolation was heralded by the release of [[Midnight Essence]] in a small settlement in [[Natanatan]].{{book ref|sa1|19}} The length of this Desolation is unknown.

During some of the Desolations, the Fused managed to take the capital of Alethela, though were ultimately pushed out.{{book ref|sa4|65}}

Another Desolation occurred later and ended circa -3333, during an unknown Epoch. This left society wounded and weak, forcing them into a period of recovery.{{book ref|sa1|part=prelude}}

==== The Last Desolation (c.-3332) ====
The Last Desolation was a large scale Desolation which occurred circa -3332, around 4500 years before the arrival of the [[Assassination of Gavilar]]. This Desolation was particularly devasting due to the fact that it happened only a year after the previous Desolation, and thus society was weakened and still recovering. Tired of the Desolations and their torture on Braize, the nine Heralds still on Roshar refused to return to Braize, leaving Taln as the sole Herald on the planet for millennia.{{book ref|sa1|prelude}}{{book ref|sa1|prologue}}

After the Last Desolation, Desolations ceased to ravage the nation. Due to this, society was able to advance much further than ever before, giving them the strength to potentially resist any potential Desolation without complete societal collapse.{{book ref|sa3|119}} The era heralded by the Last Desolation came to be known as the Era of Solitude.{{book ref|sa1|45}}

==== After Aharietiam ====
At some point before the [[Hierocracy]], and likely before the [[Recreance]],{{wob ref|14106}} the ancestors of the [[Oldblood]]s acted as the monarchs of what would become Alethkar. Little is known about them, but they are known to have been a dynasty, implying that they had ruled for a long time. It is not known how, when, or why, but they eventually lost their authority, but it would be remembered by their descendants for many generations.{{book ref|sa2|51}}{{wob ref|7245}}{{wob ref|14106}} 

At some point following Aharietiam, the kingdom splintered apart into many different smaller nations, and would not reunify for centuries following the splintering.{{cite}}

They are said to have invaded [[Azir]], under the [[Ulutu Dynasty]], at least five times during this period; with legends stating that they attempted to climb the mountains to gather gemstones and weapons from the sun itself, which bleached their eyes and left them defeated by its majesty. This tale is a complex mixture of truth and legend, that historians struggle to untangle.{{book ref|tsm|26}}

=== The Hierocracy and Sadees the Sunmaker (??? - c.{{rosharan date|673}}) ===
==== The Hierocracy ====
{{for|Hierocracy}}
Alethela survived the Desolations, but fell under the sway of the [[Hierocracy]] some point after the Recreance. This was possible as religion permeated every aspect of life and Ardents were allowed to own poperty and political office, and were seen as the only figures capable of interpreting scripture. This allowed them to, at some point, overthrow the power of the government and make themselves into a powerful theocracy, claiming the divine right to rule over mankind.{{book ref|sa3|34}} They further controlled the populace through their access to information, both religious and secular.{{book ref|sa2|3}}

While ruling, they sought to expunge historical information regarding [[Shadesmar]], the Knights Radiant and the Recreance, from the records as best as they could. They did not just expunge information, but also tampered with text to create their own revisionist history of Roshar.{{book ref|sa2|3}}{{book ref|sa2|6}}{{book ref|sa1|45}} This left knowledge about the past clouded by propaganda and censorship.

They did not just control Alethelan territories, but expanded to become a wider Vorin coalition, including the likes of what would come to be known as Jah Keved, Kharbranth, and Thaylenah.{{book ref|sa1|18}}{{book ref|sa3|59}} But as it grew larger, it become more and more difficult to keep it itself stable and consolidated, thus their power began to become unstable, laying the foundations for the War of Loss.{{book ref|sa3|19}}

==== The War of Loss (c.{{rosharan date|673}})====
{{for|War of Loss}}
The Hierocracy lasted until the [[Sunmaker]] led the kingdom in a successful revolt against [[Vorin]] rule circa {{rosharan date|673}}, known as the [[War of Loss]]. Many cities were sacked and destroyed during this war and the chaos of its aftermath, with Kholinar being one of the few eastern cities to remain unharmed.{{book ref|sa2|12}}

After overthrowing the Hierocracy, Vorinism was split into many Devotaries, leaving it heavily decentralized. Furthermore, ardents had their rights to own property and political office stripped away, they were no longer allowed to amass wealth, and they were reduced into being little more than slaves. However, they were stilled allowed to excommunicate people without political consultation.{{book ref|sa3|100}} Furthermore, they had their claims of seeing visions of the future thoroughly debunked, questioning their authority as unquestionable religious figures even further.{{book ref|sa1|36}} 

This was all done by Sadees in the attempt to prevent another Hierocracy from rising in the future.{{book ref|sa1|18}}{{book ref|sa1|33}}{{book ref|sa1|36}} The Hierocracy and its fall served to shape modern Vorinism. 

Despite its collapse many centuries ago, various groups during the War of Reckoning and the True Desolation, such as the [[Sons of Honor]], still seek for the return of the Hierocracy.{{book ref|sa2|i|12}}{{book ref|sa2|88}}

==== The Rule of the Sunmaker ====
Following his successful reunification of Alethela under the name of Alethkar, he set his eyes upon the rest of Roshar.{{book ref|ob|2}}

His first conquest was over the northern nation of [[Herdaz]], which was successful.{{book ref|sa3|19}} At some point following the occupation of Herdaz, he marched upon [[Azir]],{{book ref|sa3|42}} then under the rule of Prime Aqasix [[Snoxil]].{{book ref|sa3|65}} He successfully conquered the capital city of [[Azimir]], claiming to have come to "civilize" them. With a powerful army stationed in the nation, he instituted a policy of genocide against their people, it is said one of every ten Azish people died under the tyranny of Sadees.{{book ref|sa3|42}}

After the Sunmaker's death, his ten sons could not agree on one of their number as his successor. With none of them willing to forego their claim to the throne, they split the kingdom into ten princedoms, which they ruled individually as [[Highprince]]s, with no unifying government. This loss of central government in the empire led to the occupied territories, such as Azir and Herdaz, regaining their independence.{{book ref|ob|19}}

The legacy of this era would live on, with the Alethi seeing him as a great conqueror and a hero to his people, while many other people across the world saw him as a genocidal tyrant, causing other leaders to be hesitant to trust Dalinar and the Alethi.{{book ref|sa3|42}} However, Alethkar's conquests forged trade routes to other regions including Azir, Herdaz, and Jah Keved; these routes persisted into the modern era, bringing great wealth to the nation.{{book ref|ob|100}}

=== Alethi War of Unification ({{rosharan date|1140}}-{{rosharan date|1163}})===
{{anchor|Alethi War of Unification}}
Several centuries later, in approximately {{Rosharan date|1140}}, [[Gavilar Kholin]]--inspired by the Sunmaker--sought to conquer and unite the highprinces, which he achieved by about {{Rosharan date|1145}}. He was then crowned king and his brother [[Dalinar Kholin]] became highprince to the [[House Kholin|Kholin]] Princedom. However, due to the lineage of each Princedom going back to the Sunmaker and his sons, the Highprinces were loathe to surrender their autonomous power to a supreme ruler. The integrity and unity of Gavilar's kingdom is therefore questionable, as evidenced by the ferocity with which the Highprinces resisted his military approach to unification and continued to strain against his rule. The most severe instance of this was the rebellion in [[Rathalas]], where Gavilar eventually had to send troops led by [[Dalinar]] and [[Torol Sadeas]] in order to quench the revolt, as political means had resulted in a failure.

==== Brightlord Yezriar ({{rosharan date|1140}})====
One notable battle during the war was the battle against Brightlord Yezriar in {{rosharan date|1140}}, he was defeated and his land subsumed into the growing united Alethkar.{{book ref|sa3|3}}

==== Conquest of Rathalas ({{rosharan date|1141}})====
They led a conquest against Rathalas in {{rosharan date|1141}}, the seat of Brightlord [[Tanalan's father|Tanalan]]. During this fight, Dalinar slew Tanalan, but his body was taken away before his shard manifested. Thus he tracked it down and found his family, where he observed as the Brightlord's son took up the Shardblade [[Oathbringer (Shardblade)|Oathbringer]] in an attempt to protect the rest of his family. Ultimately, he couldn't bring himself to kill them, so he simply took the blade and left.{{book ref|sa3|11}} 

The conquest was ultimately successful, placing Rathalas under Kholin hegemony, although the rule was not peaceful. The ruling family was enraged by the conquest and the death of Tanalan, and was even further enraged by the loss of Oathbringer, which they demanded be returned to the rightful heir.{{book ref|sa3|36}}  

This battle was notable for laying the foundations of the Burning of Rathalas, and with the Kholin family obtaining the Shardblade Oathbringer.{{book ref|sa3|36}}

==== Conquest of Kalanor's Territory ({{rosharan date|1145}}) ====
Gavilar and Kalanor were major enemies during the Unification War, with Kalanor acting as one of the major stonewalls in Gavilar's quest towards the complete unification of Alethkar. They have both been politically maneuvering around one another for two years before the start of the conquest.{{book ref|sa3|26}} Gavilar believed that he needed to fall at all costs.{{book ref|sa3|26}}

In {{rosharan date|1145}}, the Kholin army attacked myriad small cities in Kalanor's region in an attempt to undermine his authority and pull him out of hiding, provoking him into a large scale battle in which they could secure a decisive victory.{{book ref|sa3|26}} This strategy was successful, leading to the two armies into a large-scale battle on a large, open plain. This was the largest battle the Kholin army engaged in during the Unification War, and ended in a decisive Kholin victory and the death of Kalanor.{{book ref|sa3|26}}

Kalanor's shards were given to Gavilar by Dalinar, and Kalanor's territory was given to [[Loradar Vamah]], thus it was officially named the [[Vamah princedom]]. This battle marked the official end of the Alethi war of unification, however battles and skirmishes would continue for decades afterward.{{book ref|sa3|26}}

==== Alethi-Herdazian Border Conflict ({{rosharan date|1150}} - {{rosharan date|1154}}) ====
A violent war between Alethkar and Herdaz occurred starting in {{rosharan date|1150}} and lasting up until {{rosharan date|1154}}. It was intended primarily as a show of Alethi strength, and as a way to ensure security at the border and expand Alethi territory.{{book ref|sa3|49}} Dalinar Kholin was a major general in the conflict.{{book ref|sa3|49}}{{book ref|sa4|16}}

This conflict led to the deaths of many on both sides, and defined the modern Alethi-Herdazian Border.{{book ref|sa4|16}}

==== Conquest of the Akak Reshi ({{rosharan date|1155}}) ====
At some point in {{rosharan date|1155}}, Dalinar Kholin led a military conquest of the [[Reshi]] island of [[Akak]].{{book ref|sa3|52}} The conquest was ultimately successful as he destroyed the Akak Reshi, and claimed the island for Alethkar.{{book ref|sa1|56}}

==== Alethi-Veden Border Conflict ({{rosharan date|1155}} - ???)====
Around {{rosharan date|1155}}, a war broke out at the border between Alethkar and Jah Keved. Dalinar Kholin also acted as one of the major generals in this conflict as well.{{book ref|sa3|52}} Part of the motivation for the conflict was Jah Keved taking land from Alethkar in around {{rosharan date|1143}}.{{book ref|sa3|66}}

==== Burning of Rathalas ({{rosharan date|1163}}) ====
{{image|The Rift by greatunknown.png|side=right|width=400px|The burning of Rathalas}}
In {{rosharan date|1163}}, due to increasing hostilities and calls for rebellion in Rathalas, led by Brightlord Tanalan's son, also named [[Tanalan]],{{book ref|sa3|36}}{{book ref|sa3|49}} Gavilar Kholin sent Dalinar Kholin and Torol Sadeas back to the Rift in order to quell them. Dalinar attempted to peacefully negotiate, offering Tanalan the position of Highprince if he surrendered. His offer was refused and his contingent, including himself, were struck by a landslide orchestrated by Tanalan, killing all of his men and leaving him injured, but alive.{{book ref|sa3|71}}

Enraged, Dalinar slaughtered his ambushers, and ordered his surviving men (stationed outside of the Rift) to douse the city in oil and set it alight, as to slaughter all of its people and leave the city in ruins. Panicked at what Dalinar ordered, Evi went into the city in secret and attempted to negotiate with Tanalan herself, in order to prevent the massacre from being carried out. Tanalan came to agree, and decided to send out a plea for surrender.

When messengers were sent out waving a flag of surrender, he ordered them shot dead, and demanded that the burning be continued without any deferment.{{book ref|sa3|75}} The attack went through at night, and the attack left all inhabitants of the city dead with the exception of Tanalan and his family, who Dalinar killed without hesitation. However, Tanalan soon revealed to Kholin that his wife Evi was in the city during the burning, and was killed in the fire.{{book ref|sa3|75}} 

The guilt of killing Evi and thousands of innocents weighed heavily on Dalinar's mind, and ultimately led to his seeking of the Nightwatcher and fundamental change as a person, and in the manner he runs his political office as Highprince.

=== Wastescum Skirmishes (???) ===
{{for|Wastescum skirmishes}}

A collection of skirmishes in the northern Princedoms of Alethkar which occurred some time before {{rosharan date|1166}}, and some time after the crowning of Gavilar in {{rosharan date|1145}}.{{book ref|sa1|16}} The skirmishes were against groups of [[Reshi]] raiders who thought they could take advantage at the instability of Alethkar early after the crowning of [[Gavilar Kholin]].{{book ref|sa1|16}} It can be reasonably assumed that the attempt to repel the raiders was successful.

Soldiers for the battle were brought in from across the Sadeas Princedom, and presumably beyond, including various darkeyes in [[Hearthstone]].{{book ref|sa1|16}} The Reshi forces notably did not have any Shardblades.{{book ref|sa1|16}}

This conflict did not fully dissuade the Reshi from engaging in border assaults, and they are known to have still be attempted to raid Alethi territories as late as {{rosharan date|1173|8}}.{{book ref|sa1|18}}

=== Early Interactions with the Parshendi ({{rosharan date|1166}} - {{rosharan date|1167}}) ===
Gavilar met with the Parshendi in {{rosharan date|1166|4}} and was instantly fascinated by them. The Parshendi exploration that underwent first contact was led by [[Eshonai]], who became a very important figure in Alethi-Parshendi relations.{{book ref|sa3|prologue}}{{book ref|sa2|i|4}}{{book ref|sa1|45}}{{book ref|sa4|48}}
{{image|Reluctant Villain by Art Dem.jpg|side=left|width=300px|Szeth arriving to kill Gavilar}}

==== Assassination of Gavilar Kholin ({{rosharan date|1167}})====
{{for|Assassination of Gavilar}}
During the feast celebrating the signing of the Parshendi-Alethi Treaty in {{rosharan date|1167|10}}, Gavilar revealed to Eshonai that he knew how to bring back the old gods they abandoned, and that he planned on doing so. Horrified, Eshonai reported his plans to [[the Five]], and they agreed that he needed to be assassinated.{{book ref|sa1|prologue}}{{book ref|sa3|prologue}}

They sent [[Szeth]] to kill him, and Gavilar fought back in a desperate attempt to survive. Szeth ultimately won in the battle and assassinated him. However, Gavilar managed to make out some last words, telling his assassin to tell Dalinar that "he must find the most important words a man can say", and gave him a Voidlight sphere. Szeth honored these last wishes, writing his last words on a piece of nearby debris, and taking the sphere.{{book ref|sa2|prologue}}{{book ref|sa3|prologue}}

=== The War of Reckoning ({{rosharan date|1167}} - {{rosharan date|1173}}) ===
{{for|War of Reckoning}}

When Gavilar was assassinated by [[Szeth]] under the orders of the [[Parshendi]] in {{Rosharan date|1167}},{{book ref|sa1|prologue}} his son, [[Elhokar Kholin]], became king and declared war on the killers. Each of the highprinces joined the [[Vengeance Pact]] and they set out into the [[Shattered Plains]] to besiege the Parshendi in the [[War of Reckoning]]. 

During the war, the highprince Dalinar Kholin began to have visions of the past, and warnings of the future. These visions caused other highprinces and his soldiers to start doubting his sanity. However, over time, his talking during these visions led to the decipherment of the [[Dawnchant]]. These translations began to spread amongst scholars, leading to an immense increase in Rosharan understanding of their own history as they learned how to translate various ancient texts. 

The siege took much longer than was expected, and was still active by {{Rosharan date|1173}}.

Despite the Highprinces all joining together in the War of Reckoning, fighting for territory between Princedoms continued without abeyance. Such as one skirmish between the Sadeas Princedom and [[Vamah princedom|Vamah]] or [[Aladar princedom]].{{book ref|sa1|1}}{{book ref|sa1|47}}{{book ref|sa2|74}}

==== Sadeas Princedom Border Conflict (c.{{rosharan date|1172|9}}) ====
In c.{{rosharan date|1172|9}}, the Sadeas Princedom engaged in a border skirmish with the Vamah or Aladar princedom.{{book ref|sa1|1}}{{book ref|sa1|47}}{{map ref|Alethkar}} During this battle, which was led by [[Meridas Amaram]] on the Sadeas side, [[Helaran Davar]], a Veden Shardbearer, was killed on the battlefield. While the killer was [[Kaladin]], and thus he had legal right to the dropped Shardblade, Amaram killed his squad and marked him as a slave, taking the Shardblade for himself.{{book ref|sa1|1}}{{book ref|sa1|47}}{{book ref|sa2|74}}

In late {{rosharan date|1173}}, Reshi border encroachments grew increasingly bold, recognizing the weakening state of Alethkar due to the prolonged War of Reckoning.{{book ref|sa1|18}}

<!---
==== The Chasmfiend Hunt ({{Rosharan date|1173|8|7|5}}) ====
-->
==== Battle of the Side Carry ({{rosharan date|1173|8|5|3}}) ====
During an attack on the Tower led by Sadeas, Bridge Four attempted a strategy that they believed would protect them from Parshendi attack by carrying their bridge on the side. This successfully protected themselves, but focused Parshendi attack on other bridge crews, causing a large amount to fall. This disrupted the attack, and led to a large amount of deaths, of both trained soldiers and bridgemen. Over two-hundred bridgemen perished in the attack.{{book ref|sa1|32}}{{book ref|sa1|34}}

This ultimately dealt a crippling blow to Sadeas's army, and led to the execution of Captain [[Lamaril]] for allowing the disaster to take place. Kaladin was also punished by being strung up in the coming highstorm and left for death, as a punishment for the actions of his crew.{{book ref|sa1|32}}{{book ref|sa1|34}}

==== The Fall of Kholinar ({{rosharan date|1173}}) ====
Late into the War of Reckoning, after [[Navani Kholin]] left [[Aesudan]] to rule for herself after deeming her fit to do so without her advisement, Kholinar was infiltrated by [[Ashertmarn]], [[Sja-anat]], and [[Yelig-nar]]. These Unmade caused Aesudan to fall into an abyss of decadence, throwing lavish feasts as Kholinar society collapsed around her, while Sja-anat corrupted the spren of the city; and Yelig-nar bonded with Aesudan. After a number of years, well into the True Desolation, Aesudan failed to control Yelig-nar, which led to her death.{{book ref|sa2|i|12}}{{book ref|sa3|84}}

The events that took place in Kholinar before Aesudan’s death served as the basis of the [[Siege of Kholinar]], and its eventual fall and occupation by Fused forces.{{book ref|sa3|epilogue}}

==== Battle of the Tower ({{Rosharan date|1173|9|6|4}}) ====
{{for|Battle of the Tower}}

On {{Rosharan date|1173|9|6|4}}, Highprince Sadeas set up a battle on the [[Tower (Roshar)|Tower]] as a trap to murder Dalinar Kholin. The motivation for this was a part of his desire to protect Elhokar from Dalinar's ideals.{{book ref|sa1|69}}{{expand}}

The battle led to the decimation of Dalinar Kholin's army, he arrived at the battle with 8000 men, but returned with only 2,653 men, coming out at 5347 fatalities.{{book ref|sa1|69}} It also led to Dalinar successfully attempting to gain the title of Highprince of War in order to insure more authority to manage the war directly, in response to Sadeas' betrayal.{{book ref|sa1|69}}
<!---
==== Attempted Assassination of Dalinar ({{Rosharan date|1173|10|2|5}}) ====
==== Attempted Peace Talks ====
-->

==== Battle of Narak and Failed Assassination of Elhokar Kholin ({{Rosharan date|1173|10|10|3}}) ====
{{for|Battle of Narak}}
The Battle of Narak occured on {{Rosharan date|1173|10|10|3}}, and marked the summoning of the Everstorm and the start of the True Desolation.{{article ref|Words of Radiance/Timeline|Words of Radiance timeline}}{{expand}}

=== The True Desolation ({{rosharan date|1173}} -    ) ===
{{for|True Desolation}}
It eventually ended when the Parshendi summoned the [[Everstorm]], beginning the [[True Desolation]] during the [[Battle of Narak]]. Afterwards, some of the Highprinces -- [[Dalinar]], [[Aladar]] and [[Sebarial]] -- along with their remaining forces, took refuge in [[Urithiru]], while others remained on the [[Shattered Plains]], slowly taking over the abandoned warcamps of those who left and consolidating their power base there.

Shortly following the start of the True Desolation, Torol Sadeas was murdered by Adolin Kholin. Following his murder, rulership of the Sadeas Princedom was passed to Meridas Amaram by [[Ialai Sadeas]], as the heir to the position was too young to fill it.{{book ref|sa2|89}}{{book ref|sa3|26}}

==== Siege of Kholinar ({{rosharan date|1173}}) ====
{{for|Siege of Kholinar}}

Meanwhile, the Alethkar homelands were besieged by the newly awakened [[singer]] forces led by the [[Fused]], culminating in the [[Siege of Kholinar|siege]] and eventual fall of [[Kholinar]].{{book ref|sa3|85}} 

After Elhokar was killed by [[Moash]] during the siege, and [[Adolin Kholin]] refused to take the throne after the [[Battle of Thaylen Field]], [[Jasnah Kholin]] became Queen.{{book ref|sa3|84}}{{book ref|sa3|122}}  The current heir to the throne is Elhokar's son, [[Gavinor]] -- however, he's still a child and a regency in his name was deemed too unstable and dangerous during the time of the [[True Desolation]].

==== Battle of Thaylen Field ({{Rosharan date|1174|2|10|5}}) ====
{{for|Battle of Thaylen Field}}

On {{Rosharan date|1174|2|10|5}}{{ref|name=timeline}}, the Alethi and Thaylen armies defended [[Thaylen City]] against the incursion of the [[Fused]] army.{{book ref|sa3|111}}{{book ref|sa3|112}} This battle was motivated by the Alethi wishing to protect their Thaylen allies, and in order to secure the Thaylen [[Oathgate]]; They wished to secure the Oathgate due to the strategic advantage it granted them.{{cite}}{{expand}}

During this battle, the Unmade Nergaoul was successfully sealed away into the [[King's Drop]], thus ending its control over people across Roshar.{{book ref|sa3|120}}

==== Fused Occupation ({{rosharan date|1174}} - ) ====
By the time of the Battle of Thaylen Field, most of Alethkar was under Fused hegemony.{{book ref|sa3|120}} One of the major military centers in the occupation was the capital city of the [[Vamah princedom]], [[Revolar]]. Between 40,000 and 50,000 Singers were stationed there.{{book ref|sa3|31}}

A year after the Battle of Thaylen Field, Dalinar had managed to retake the southwestern corner of Alethkar which touches the Tarat Sea. Dalinar considered launching a major offensive into Alethkar but was convinced by the [[Dieno|Mink]] that it would be wiser to attempt to retake Emul.{{book ref|sa4|17}}

==== Evacuation of Hearthstone ({{rosharan date|1175}}) ====
In {{rosharan date|1175|3}}, an attempt was mounted by the coalition to evacuate the city of Hearthstone. After a battle with Fused occupiers, most notably [[Lezian]], all but fifteen occupants of Hearthstone were successfully evacuated via the ''[[Fourth Bridge]]'', and brought to Urithiru.{{book ref|sa4|6}} During the battle, Brightlord Roshone was killed by [[Vyre]], leading to the position of citylady eventually being passed on to Laral.{{book ref|sa4|6}}{{book ref|sa4|18}}
<!--
==== Expedition to Emul ({{rosharan date|1175}}) ====
-->

== Culture ==
{{image|Jasnah Framed Portrait by Grant Hansen.png|side=right|width=200px|[[Jasnah Kholin]], the current Queen of Alethkar}}
{{quote
|Conquering folks is basically their primary cultural heritage.
|[[Lopen]]{{book ref|sa3.5|3}}
}}

=== People ===
The Alethi people are generally tan -- darker-skinned than the [[Veden]] and [[Shin]] peoples, but not as dark as the [[Makabak]]i -- with dark, typically black hair.{{book ref|sa1|3}} They are typically extremely tall, standing on average at least a foot taller than people living further West.{{book ref|sa2.5|10}} Like most Rosharan people, they possess Epicanthic folds and see those without such folds as wide-eyed and childish.{{wob ref|4079}} They are a racially-mixed people due to their history of conquest.{{book ref|sa3|122}}{{book ref|sa2|38}}{{wob ref|15116}}

In the late [[Era of Solitude]], the Alethi tan and black hair are considered the general standard of beauty.{{book ref|sa1|3}} Multicolored hair is also present within Alethkar and is an indication of mixed heritage. Some see this as a sign of an "impure" bloodline,{{book ref|sa2|38}} while others use it as evidence of Alethkar's superiority, hard won through conquest.{{book ref|sa3|122}} Among the Heralds, [[Jezrien]], [[Vedel|Vedeledev]], and [[Kalak]] look Alethi.{{book ref|sa1|prologue}}{{wob ref|11325}}

Like all [[Vorin]] nations, Alethi practice a division between the sexes. Women have [[safehand]]s, covered either by a buttoned-up sleeve, typical of lighteyes, or a glove, typical of darkeyes. They are discouraged from picking up weapons and fighting. By contrast, men are forbidden to read. As such, oftentimes a man and a woman will work together as a team in an important position that overlaps both their areas of responsibility, such as the military, with the woman acting as a scribe while the man issues commands.{{book ref|sa1|6}} The militaristic nature of the Alethi further influences this divide, leading to most of Alethi rulers being kings, and women rarely, if ever, becoming highprincesses.{{book ref|sa3|122}}

Alethi discourage emotional openness and any show of what could be perceived as a weakness; an engaged couple keeping close in public is considered, while not obscene, at least extremely improper.{{book ref|sa3|122}} Men are encouraged to be combative and forceful, and women to be witty and willing to engage in barbed banter. Unwillingness or inability to act in this way can often lead to a person being labeled as inept or stupid.{{book ref|sa3|66}}

=== Music ===
Music is seen as a feminine art, and is thus primarily only pursued by women and ardents.{{book ref|sa1|3}}{{book ref|sa1|57}}{{book ref|sa2|55}} Alethi music makes a heavy use of flutes and string instruments made of a fine wood,{{book ref|sa1|57}}{{book ref|sa1|33}}{{book ref|sa3|84}} and tend to dislike percussion.{{book ref|sa1|prologue}}{{book ref|sa4|prologue}}{{wob ref|12290}} Battle hymns make use of brass-like instruments.{{wob ref|12290}} 

They make use of bows to play stringed instruments.{{book ref|sa1|33}} Their flutes are played vertically, not horizontally.{{book ref|sa1|57}}

The Alethi may practice a sort of throat-singing.{{wob ref|14654}} They are known to often sing various forms of Vorin hymns.{{book ref|sa3|i|5}}

Drums are popular amongst the lower-class, darkeyed population. Due to this, lighteyes typically associate drums exclusively with darkeyes, and therefore interpret them as base instruments.{{book ref|sa1|prologue}}

It is common for music to be played at lighteyed feasts.{{book ref|sa1|22}}{{book ref|sa3|19}}{{book ref|sa4|prologue}}

=== Clothing ===
Alethi fashion varies greatly between the lighteyes and darkeyes, enforced by the division between the castes. 

As of {{rosharan date|1173}}, Alethkar was going through a trend of bright colors and ornate frills.{{book ref|sa1|58}} They also have a tendency towards solid colours.{{book ref|sa3|65}}{{book ref|sa4|20}}

[[Liafor]] and [[Yezier]] deeply influence lighteyed fashion in Alethkar, with much of their clothing being designed in these countries, based on Alethi fashion trends with their own cultural flair.{{file ref|Contemporary Male Fashion.jpg|Contemporary Male Fashion Folio Page}}{{file ref|Vorin Havah.jpg|Vorin Havah Folio Page}}{{book ref|sa2|49}} Azish fashion also has a degree of influence over Alethi fashion.{{book ref|sa2|49}}

Alethkar and Jah Keved have closely aligned fashion styles, enough so for Liafor to market to them using the same fashion folios.{{file ref|Contemporary Male Fashion.jpg|Contemporary Male Fashion Folio Page}}
{{image|Contemporary_Male_Fashion.jpg|side=left|width=250px|Contemporary Male Fashion}}
==== Masculine Fashion ====

A common form of male clothing, typically worn by warriors, is the [[takama]].{{book ref|sa2|38}} The takama is a form of long, straight, calf-length skirt, typically worn with a belt and shirts specifically designed for use with a takama.{{book ref|sa1|25}}{{book ref|sa3|16}} The Takama has similarities with the Veden [[vakama]] and [[ulatu]].{{book ref|sa4|20}}{{book ref|sa2|19}}

In late {{rosharan date|1167}}, Alethi men preferred dark colours, to contrast with the brighter feminine mode of dress.{{book ref|sa1|prologue}}

{{image|Vorin Havah.jpg|side=right|width=250px|The Vorin Havah}}
==== Feminine Fashion ====

The Vorin Havah is a very common form of clothing amongst Lighteyed women in Alethkar.{{book ref|sa2|Prologue}} It is formfitting through the bust, shoulders, and waist, and has a flowing skirt; fitting with Vorin ideals, these Havah have a long left sleeve, hiding their [[safehand]].{{book ref|sa1|3}} These sleeves often have a pouch to store belongings known as a safepouch.{{book ref|sa4|8}}{{book ref|sa1|48}} Havah are often made of brightly coloured silk, which is thin enough to allow women to easily grip objects with their safehand, when necessary.{{book ref|sa1|1}}{{book ref|sa4|69}}

Havah often have elaborate embroidery, often taking the form of multifarious designs, hatchings, and stylized glyphs.{{wob ref|6748}}{{book ref|sa1|43}}

Lighteyed women often arrange their hair high in a complex series of braids secured by four steel spikes.{{book ref|sa1|28}}{{file ref|Vorin Havah.jpg|Vorin Havah Folio Page}}  These hair-spikes are considered to be traditional in Alethi culture.{{book ref|sa1|28}} Some women deign to use different metals, such as gold, to construct these spikes;{{book ref|sa1|48}} some even choose to wear a different number of spikes in their hair, such as six.{{book ref|sa1|48}} Sometimes hair-spikes are designed to resemble Shardblades.{{book ref|sa3|24}}

Darkeyed women tend to wear simpler clothing, and tend to wear gloves on their safehand rather than large sleeves. This is done so that they are able to more easily perform household duties.{{book ref|sa1|3}}{{book ref|sa1|6}}{{book ref|sa1|16}} Wearing a glove on the safehand in this manner is seen as immodest and an inherent sign of lower class, and therefore is not typically practiced by lighteyes.{{book ref|sa1|3}}

It is common for prostitutes to dress with their safehand uncovered.{{cite}}

=== Cuisine ===
Like other Vorin nations, they practice a gendered division in cuisine between genders. Masculine food is often heavily spiced.{{book ref|sa2|64}}{{book ref|sa3|46}} Feminine food is made up of fruit and is often very sweet.{{book ref|sa3|68}} However, as always, ardents are immune to these gender norms and can eat whatever they wish.{{book ref|sa1|i|8}}

{{image|Types of Wine.jpeg|side=right|width=250px|The Colours of Alethi Wine}}

==== Alcohol ====
Alethi alcohol is often made of fermented [[tallew]] or [[lavis]],{{book ref|sa1|26}}{{book ref|sa2|46}}{{book ref|sa2|81}} but are occasionally made from fruit.{{book ref|sa3|18}}

Their alcohol is coloured with various dyes in accordance with the strength of the beverage.{{file ref|Rosharan Wines.jpg|Rosharan Wines}} The strongest colours are not only fermented, but also distilled into spirits.{{wob ref|12920}} Parties often only make use of the weaker colours, to prevent participants from getting drunk too quickly.{{book ref|sa3|18}}

There is a great variety of beverages even within the same colour,{{book ref|sa2|49}} such as [[Honu|hard honu]], a type of lavis grain liquor.{{book ref|sa2|81}} Some alcohol is spiced, giving it a spicy flavour.{{book ref|sa2|49}}

==== Curry ====
Various forms of curry are popular in Alethkar.{{book ref|sa1|37}}{{book ref|sa3|68}}{{book ref|sa3|13}}{{wob ref|2778}} Such as sweet curry,{{book ref|sa3|13}}{{book ref|sa4|24}} or spicy curry made with pungent peppers.{{book ref|sa2|24}} Some of their curries are mixed with different types of cream, primarily made from sow's milk.{{wob ref|2778}} Vegetables and meat are often mixed into curry.{{book ref|sa3|13}}{{book ref|sa3|65}}

In terms of texture and consistency it can vary between watery,{{book ref|sa3|13}} thick,{{book ref|sa3|78}} and creamy.{{book ref|sa3|13}}

Curry is often eaten with bread,{{book ref|sa2|24}}{{book ref|sa3|13}}{{book ref|sa4|85}} or rice and grain.{{book ref|sa3|78}}{{book ref|sa4|24}}

==== Dairy Products ====
Dairy in Alethkar is primarily produced from sows.{{wob ref|2778}} Dairy products are not in wide consumption,{{wob ref|937}}{{wob ref|14950}}{{wob ref|2778}} primarily used only in creams used in curry.{{wob ref|2778}}

==== Grain and Tubers ====
A large portion of their diet is made up of tallew and lavis, with them being used in food,{{book ref|sa2|64}}{{book ref|sa3|6}}{{book ref|sa3|67}} and alcoholic beverages.{{book ref|sa1|26}}{{book ref|sa2|46}}{{book ref|sa2|81}} Tallew is often boiled or steamed and made into soup.{{book ref|sa1|54}}{{book ref|sa2|64}}{{book ref|sa3|14}}{{book ref|sa2|i|12}} It is sometimes used as a spread on vegetables such as [[stagm]].{{book ref|sa1|54}}

Stagm and other tubers are a common part of the Alethi diet.{{book ref|sa1|54}}

It is common for children to eat fruited tallew rice with flatbread.{{book ref|sa1|37}}

==== Meat ====
They make use of meat in several dishes, particularly using pork harvested from hogs.{{book ref|sa1|23}}{{book ref|sa1|37}}{{book ref|sa3|19}}{{book ref|sa3|13}} Sometimes cooked in a savoury broth,{{book ref|sa3|19}} or served with chutney.{{book ref|sa1|23}}

Alethi sometimes eat cremlings such as [[skrip]], typically boiled or steamed, though they are considered a low quality dish.{{book ref|sa3|55}}{{book ref|sa3|68}} They also eat the meat of crabs and lanka.{{book ref|sa3|19}}{{book ref|sa3|37}} When they eat crustaceans, they typically dip the meat in curry or prepare the curry with the meat in it.{{wob ref|2778}} Though sometimes they simply serve it with a dish of grain.{{book ref|sa3|68}}

==== Seasoning and Sauces ====
Alethi food is known for its spiciness.{{book ref|sa2|64}}{{book ref|sa3|46}}{{book ref|sa1|37}} Which is often mixed into sauces and curry.{{book ref|sa1|37}}{{book ref|sa3|68}}{{book ref|sa3|13}}

They make use of a wide range of sauces of a variety of different flavours, ranging from spicy,{{book ref|sa1|37}}{{book ref|sa3|68}} to sweet,{{book ref|sa3|68}} to peppery,{{book ref|sa3|19}} to salty.{{book ref|sa2|59}}{{book ref|sa1|i|8}}{{book ref|sa1|22}}

=== Architecture ===
Architecture varies wildly across Alethkar, and is heavily shaped by the highstorms the ravage the nation. For example, buildings in Hearthstone, which are only protected by a relatively small [[lait]] known as the Breakwall, are built in rows and are wedge shaped with a sloped eastern side, with windows being exclusively situated along the flat western side.{{book ref|sa1|16}}{{expand}}

Doors are often faced away from the Origin, especially further to the east, and streets are often designed running east to west to provide a way for highstorm winds to blow.{{book ref|sa2|46}}

Larger cities, such as [[Tomat]] or [[Kholinar]], tend to make use of defensive walls along their perimeter.{{book ref|sa4|i|10}}{{book ref|sa3|31}}{{file ref|Kholinar.jpg|Map of Kholinar}} Some cities, such as [[Revolar]], expanded past these walls, leaving them as markers of the inner portions of the city.{{book ref|sa3|31}}

=== Caste system ===
The Alethi culture is divided into two major castes, the '''[[lighteyes]]''' and '''[[darkeyes]]''', separated by, as can be surmised, the color of a person's eyes. The lighteyes form the upper caste, with broader rights and privileges, while the darkeyes are the lower, working caste. Furthermore, each caste is subdivided into ten ranks, with the lighteyed ranks being called [[dahn]]s, while the darkeyed ones are the [[nahn]]s. Some nahns and dahns are hereditary, or stable, while others can only be held by attaining a particular position.{{wob ref|2782}} The Alethi monarch, for example, is the only person in the country holding the first dahn.{{wob ref|4006}}

There are many ways for a person to improve their rankings, such as through marriage or military service. A soldier who becomes an officer will almost automatically be raised to a proper dahn or nahn, along with their children.{{wob ref|2782}} Holding land automatically entitles a lighteyes to at least the sixth dahn, regardless of their previous status, and becoming a [[Shardbearer]] entitles at least the fourth dahn.{{wob ref|4006}}{{book ref|sa3|58}}

Alethkar is generally a feudal nation. The Alethi monarch is served by ten [[highprince]]s, which have their own lower-dahn subjects, down to the citylords, who rule over individual settlements.{{book ref|sa1|16}} [[Shardbearer]]s stand slightly aside from this system, although many of them are either highprinces themselves, or in direct service to one highprince or another.

{{image|Stormblessed Bonus by ThomasW.jpg|side=right|width=200px|A [[darkeyes]] facing a [[Shardbearer]]}}

=== Militarism ===
{{quote
|They came from the east. Giants, in armor forged of the deepest metals. A horde of death and destruction that ate the land, consumed villages like insects swarming the crops. Ripping. Smashing.
|[[Nomad]]{{book ref|tsm|26}}
}}
The Alethi culture is highly militaristic, stemming from their origins as Alethela. A soldier is considered the highest religious Calling, with the fight to reclaim the [[Tranquiline Halls]] being believed to be the greatest afterlife one could hope for.{{book ref|sa1|16}} The country is almost perpetually at war, if not between the highprinces, then with some external power. Children as young as twelve can and sometimes are recruited by raving armies to feed this endless war machine.{{book ref|sa1|44}}

Military service is one of the more reliable paths of social advancement in Alethkar. A soldier can expect to raise in dahn or nahn to match his military rank.{{wob ref|2782}} Moreover, many darkeyed soldiers go to war hoping to defeat a Shardbearer and gain ownership of a [[Shardblade]], due to a widespread belief -- later proven correct -- that bonding a Blade would change their eyes to light-colored.{{book ref|sa2|66}}

Alongside this culture, the Alethi highly honor the [[Thrill]], a form of battle-lust that can sometimes encompass them when in combat. The Thrill is often considered a private thing, not to be shared with others; however, it's also highly desirable, with men often awaiting its arrival when in combat.{{book ref|sa1|12}}{{book ref|sa1|26}} For many, it's downright addictive.{{book ref|sa2|29}} Following the Battle of Thaylen Field and the sealing of Nergaoul, the Thrill ceased to mold the hearts of men.{{book ref|sa4|16}}{{wob ref|14279}}

=== Religion ===
{{quote
|The Alethi preferred to let the ardents deal with the Almighty, like he was some annoying parlor guest who could be safely distracted by servants offering a particularly tasty tea.
|[[Shallan]]{{book ref|sa3|15}}
}}
{{for|Vorinism}}

Alethkar is one of the five great [[Vorin]] Kingdoms, with vast majority of their populace worshipping the [[Almighty]].{{book ref|sa1|3}} The worship is mostly carried out by the priests, called the [[ardent]]s. The ardents, while influential, are not free -- rather, they are slaves to various [[lighteyes]]. Unlike most other professions, ardentia is open to both men and women, and to people from all social castes.{{book ref|sa2|11}} Ardents are considered genderless from a social standpoint, and as such, many of the Vorin taboos regarding gender and gender roles do not apply to them.{{book ref|sa2|44}} They are also the only people permitted to use [[Soulcaster]]s.

Unlike other varieties of Vorinism, the Alethi are not required to be personally devout, or to perform religious ceremonies. While each citizen is supposed to pick their [[Calling]] and Glory -- their goal in life, and the aspect of the Almighty they wish to emulate{{book ref|sa1|18}} -- the actual religious part of the religion is handled by the ardents, who perform the requisite rituals and prayers for their masters, so as to reassure them of their righteousness.{{book ref|sa3|89}} The Alethi themselves rarely interact with the Almighty, save for an occassional glyphward or prayer.{{book ref|sa3|15}}

=== Language and Writing ===
{{for|Women's script|more information on the Women's Script}}
{{For|Glyphs|more information on Glyphs and Glyphpairs}}
The Alethi language is part of the Vorin language family, which includes others such as Veden (spoken in [[Jah Keved]]) and [[Herdaz]]ian.{{wob ref|3977}} It's particularly close to the former, making it easy to learn.{{book ref|sa1|5}} It is also descended from Alethelan.{{book ref|sa3|104}} Known words from the language include ''dahn'' and ''nahn'' for the ranking system, numerous [[glyph]] pronunciations, as well as two terms for family members -- ''Mathana'', a formal term for older sister, and ''Mashala'', for aunt.{{book ref|sa1|22}}{{book ref|sa1|60}}

==== Script ====
The Alethi language can be written using two different systems. The [[Women's script]], used broadly across eastern Roshar, is an alphabet, with twenty five letters, and at least two symbols -- a mark of maximum character height, at the start of a passage, and a small diactric denoting that a particular letter should be read as an "H".{{twg ref|7882|0|Navani's Notebook Translation|date=Sep 20th, 2010}}{{wob ref|2962}} 

==== Grammar ====
Pronouns, including the first-person pronoun, are gendered in the written language, with a masculine, feminine, and neuter form. Due to only woman and ardents being allowed to write, the use of the masculine first-person pronoun is largely restricted to use in quotes, whilst the neuter is used in writing by ardents.{{book ref|sa3|122}} It is likely that no pronouns have gender in the spoken language.{{book ref|sa3|122}} There are further additons to the written language that change the context of words, and are not read out loud.{{book ref|sa3|122}}

==== Literacy ====
As a Vorin nation, reading and writing is restricted for use by the female part of the populace. and to ardents.{{book ref|sa1|8}} Due to this, men are typically illiterate, regardless of their class.   

Men are permitted to learn [[glyph]]s, a separate system where each symbol or pair of symbols represents a separate idea or concept.{{book ref|sa1|3}} Despite this, stormwardens make use of glyphs in a system known as the [[Stormwarden script]], which phonetically uses glyphs in order to construct words.{{book ref|sa2|52}} This, however, is seen as a form of reading, and thus the manner in which they use glyphs is typically hidden from the public.{{book ref|sa2|52}}

Literacy is ubiquitous amongst lighteyed women, and is not uncommon even amongst darkeyed women in Alethi cities.{{book ref|sa1|31}} However, literacy is uncommon in smaller, primarily darkeyed settlements such as Hearthstone, with some having literacy rates as low as 0%.{{book ref|sa1|31}}

=== Death and Funerary Culture ===
Wealthy lighteyes tend to have their bodies soulcast into stone or metal statues.{{book ref|sa1|41}}{{book ref|sa2|2}}{{book ref|sa3|29}}{{book ref|sa4|114}} They are positioned by mortuary sculptors before being soulcast, leaving them suitable for display.{{book ref|sa3|105}}

Darkeyes tend to have their dead burned.{{book ref|sa1|27}}{{book ref|sa2|2}}{{book ref|sa3|29}} Although some very wealthy darkeyes get different treatment.{{book ref|sa1|27}}

==== The Afterlife ====
As a Vorin nation, they believe that people go to assist the Heralds in accordance with their Calling, with warriors being believed to fight in the battle to reclaim the [[Tranquiline Halls]] from the Voidbringers.{{book ref|sa1|3}}{{book ref|sa1|i|8}}{{book ref|sa1|16}}{{book ref|sa1|18}}{{book ref|sa1|28}} They believe that those who do not achieve their Calling are put into a dreamless sleep until the Halls are reconquered, whilst the sinful are cast down into Damnation.{{book ref|sa1|59}}

=== Sex and Sexuality ===
Vorin culture is strictly oppossed to extra-marital sexuality,{{wob ref|1443}} though this doesn't stop prostitution from being popular at Warcamps and cities, and in Urithiru.{{book ref|sa3|13}} Though even those that make use of their services tend to look down on them for their occupation, and often physically abuse them.{{book ref|sa1|46}}

They are accepting of homosexuality, and allow same-sex marriage, as long as the same oaths are spoken. This is due to the fact that their perception of marriage is rooted in the oaths itself, which a pair of any gender would be able to make without any issues.{{book ref|sa3|35}}{{wob ref|1443}} However, some see it as unbecoming of one's gender, but this seems to be an uncommon perception.{{book ref|sa3|55}}

Incest is strictly looked down on, this includes the marriage of one's sibling's widow(er).{{cite}}

=== Gender Roles ===
The Alethi have very strict gender roles that permeate nigh every aspect of their culture.{{cite}} With most aspects of life, from art, to occupation, to cuisine, is defined by a strict masculine-feminine dichotomy.{{cite}} Ardents, however, are essentially considered genderless and can persue both masculine and feminine activities.{{book ref|sa1|33}}

Going against these prescribed roles is often seen as unnatural or downright blasphameous.{{book ref|sa1|26}}{{book ref|sa2|12}}

Their conception of gender roles is deeply rooted in ''[[Arts and Majesty]]'', an ancient work of Rosharan literature that defines certain topics and practices as feminine or masculine.{{book ref|sa2|25}}{{wob ref|6245}}

=== Games, Sports, and Entertainment ===

==== Festivals ====
Alethkar practices various fairs and festivals to celebrate special occasions. 

One such festival practiced in Alethkar is the [[Middlefest Fair]], which celebrates the coming of the [[Midpeace]].{{book ref|sa1|4}}{{book ref|sa2|45}}

==== Games ====
Due to Vorin precepts against predicting the future, Alethi culture has a distaste for gambling and games involving random chance. Thus their games tend to revolve around skill rather than chance.

One popular game in Alethi culture is [[Breakneck]], particularly among darkeyes.{{book ref|sa1|25}}{{book ref|sa4|12}} Other popular games include [[Pieces]],{{book ref|sa3|40}} [[Pawns]],{{book ref|sa3|11}} [[Runaround]],{{book ref|sa4|79}} [[Towers]],{{book ref|sa4|79}} and an unnamed [[Rosharan card game]].{{book ref|sa3|14}}{{book ref|sa3|17}}

==== Sports ====
[[Vehah]] is a traditional wrestling style practiced in Alethkar.{{book ref|sa3|16}}

== Politics ==
{{quote
|Dalinar had been around Alethi politicians so much that he found honesty an obscure thing, like a language he no longer spoke.
|[[Dalinar]]{{book ref|sa3|34}}
}}

=== Monarch ===
The Alethi have a long history of monarchies rising and falling, with few families able to retain authority for any significant period of time. 

The first figure to unify Alethkar after the fall of Alethela was Sadees the Sunmaker in c.{{rosharan date|673}}, although his rule quickly collapsed after his death as Alethi territory was split between his ten sons, leading to another interregnum due to a proper heir not being selected before his passing.{{book ref|sa3|19}} This interregnum lasted until Gavilar Kholin led a war of unification, once again bringing Alethkar under a single ruler by the year {{rosharan date|1145}}.{{book ref|sa3|26}}

While the king has power over the Highprinces, highprinces still retain a high degree of autonomy within their own princedoms, to the extent that they essentially function as their own sovereign nations. Therefore, the king is not an autocratic source of authority.  

The monarchy's power over the highprinces, however limited, is primarily maintained through military strength and access to soulcasters, which he taxes highprinces for their rights to use.{{book ref|sa1|15}} In part due to the limited power of the king, many people feel more connection and loyalty to their highprince or local lord than they do to the king themself, or to the institution of the monarchy.{{book ref|sa1|24}}

The monarch has the right to promote individuals into the position of a classical Highprince if they deem it necessary, therefore consolidating inter-princedom national power in certain aspects of government into individuals.{{book ref|sa1|18}} This right is controversial, and only began to be put into use late into the War of Reckoning in {{rosharan date|1173}}, when King Elhokar granted highprince Torol Sadeas the position of [[Highprince of Information]] and Dalinar Kholin the position of [[Highprince of War]].{{book ref|sa1|18}}{{book ref|sa1|69}}

Jasnah Kholin, the current queen, has expressed an interest in disbanding the monarchy after the True Desolation is over.{{book ref|sa4|50}} 

==== Rules of Succession ====
Traditionally, the crown passes down to the eldest male heir of the ruling king upon his death.{{book ref|sa3|122}}{{wob ref|8552}} However, this traditional line of succession can be overruled if the heir is deemed too young to serve as king in the contemporary political climate of the nation.{{book ref|sa3|122}} In such a case, the crown can pass to the sibling of the deceased king, to act as monarch until the heir comes of age or the political situation calms enough for them to be able to take the throne.{{book ref|sa3|122}} 

A king can choose to grant the throne to another individual outside of their line of succession, as Elhokar briefly did to Lopen, making him the legitimate king for a short period of time.{{wob ref|1703}}{{book ref|sa2|87}}{{book ref|sa2|89}} Though the nation refused to recognize the legitimacy of his claim or add him to the official list of kings.{{book ref|sa2|89}} His children do have a valid claim to the throne, due to his brief role as king, though the Alethi are unlikely to accept his claim.{{wob ref|8552}}

==== List of Known Alethi Monarchs ====
{| width=80% class=infobox style='text-align:center!;' align=center
! class=title colspan=3 style='background-color:#bbf;' | Alethi Monarchs
|-
!Name
!Length of Rule
|-
| [[Nohadon]] 
| Pre-Aharietiam
|-
| ''Interregnum''
| ???
|-
| [[Oldblood]] Dynasty{{book ref|sa2|51}}{{wob ref|7245}}
| Pre-Recreance{{book ref|sa1|24}}
|-
| ''Interregnum''
| ???
|- 
| [[Hierocracy]]
| circa {{rosharan date|673}}{{book ref|sa1|26}}
|- 
| [[Sadees|Sadees the Sunmaker]]
| ???
|-
| ''Interregnum''
| ??? - {{rosharan date|1145}}
|-
! class=title colspan=3 style='background-color:#bbf;' | Kholin Dynasty
|-
| [[Gavilar Kholin]] 
| 1145 - {{rosharan date|1167|10}}
|-
| [[Elhokar Kholin]]
| {{rosharan date|1167|10}} - {{rosharan date|1174|2|3|3}}
|-
| [[Jasnah Kholin]]
| {{rosharan date|1174|2|9}} - ''Incumbent''{{book ref|sa3|122}}{{wob ref|7832}}
|}

==== The King's Wit ====
The King's Wit (known as the Queen's Wit during the rule of a queen) is a court jester that works for the residing monarch, mocking those of lower dahn.{{book ref|sa1|15}}{{wob ref|12270}}{{expand}} The current Wit, as of {{rosharan date|1175}}, and beginning his service in {{rosharan date|1173}}, is [[Hoid]]. 

It is legal for a Highprince to murder a Wit, though doing so would lead to them losing their position and property.{{book ref|sa1|15}}

=== Princedoms ===
{{image|Alethkar Color.jpg|side=left|width=250px|Alethi Princedoms}}
Though it is ruled by a single king, Alethkar is divided into ten princedoms, each ruled by a [[lighteyes|lighteyed]] [[highprince]]. Each princedom is named after the family controlling it, and each has its own military, independent of one another - a remnant of the times prior to the reunification. While the highprinces do work together, the king has limited control over them, maintained less through tradition, and more through sheer military power and access to amenities like [[Soulcaster]]s, which are heavily taxed.{{book ref|sa1|15}} In addition, the ruling [[House Kholin]] controls the largest territory, as apart from their own princedom, they also hold an underpopulated stretch of land called the [[Eastern Crownlands]].{{map ref|Alethkar}}

Borders between Princedoms were largely, but not exclusively, defined by natural borders created by the Windrunner and Deathbend rivers, the Sunmaker mountains, and the Sea of Spears.{{map ref|Alethkar}}

It is unclear what princedom [[Akak]] is a part of. 

==== Highprinces ====
A highprince is the ruler of one of the ten princedoms that make up Alethkar. They essentially function as the leaders of sovereign nations, rather than simply as heads of administrative districts.{{book ref|sa1|12}}

===== Highprince Rules of Succession =====
When a Highprince dies, the position passes to his eldest male child. If he has no eldest male child, their nephew can be elected as heir.{{book ref|sa3|2}}{{book ref|sa3|26}}

If the deceased Highprince has no descendants that can act as valid heirs to the position, their spouse is allowed to elect someone from outside the family to take it up.{{book ref|sa3|26}}

In extreme circumstances, the monarch of Alethkar is allowed to step in and choose to elect a figure of their choosing to be the next Highprince.{{book ref|sa4|27}}

==== The Classical Highprince System ====
During the rule of Sadees, the ten Highprinces had specialized roles in government, controlling certain aspects of the entire kingdom.{{book ref|sa1|18}} This system fell into disuse after the death of Sadees, as Alethkar broke into ten self-governing regions.

This system has seen a resurgence as of late {{rosharan date|1173}}, starting with the election of Torol Sadeas as the Highprince of Information.

===== Known Highprince Positions =====
* '''[[Highprince of Commerce]]:''' This position held authority over all merchants and his troops would patrol the roads across all ten princedoms.{{book ref|sa1|18}}{{book ref|sa2|29}}
* '''[[Highprince of Information]]:''' This position had authority over criminal investigations and policing across the entire kingdom and appointed judges and magistrates.{{book ref|sa1|22}}{{book ref|sa2|29}} Of particular interest to the Highprince of Information were criminal investigations where the Crown's interest was at stake.{{book ref|sa1|22}} 
* '''[[Highprince of War]]:''' This position had control over the kingdom's combined military forces, likely only during a time of war.{{book ref|sa1|22}}{{book ref|sa1|24}}
* '''[[Highprince of Works]]:''' This position had management of the kingdoms infrastructure, such as sewage disposal, civil services, and potentially [[Stormlight]] management; with the increase in uses for Stormlight since the [[Battle of Narak]].{{book ref|sa3|104}}

==== Inter-Princedom Conflict ====
Despite unification under one banner, it is common for princedoms to engage in violent border conflicts with one another.{{book ref|sa1|1}} This continued even long into the War of Reckoning.{{book ref|sa1|1}}{{expand}}

==== Administrative Districts ====
Each Princedom is further divided into named regions, such as [[Akanny]] in the Sadeas Princedom.{{book ref|sa3|10}} These regions are controlled by Brightlords or Highlords that hold extensive land and property within a princedom, and collect taxes from the citylords.{{book ref|sa3|116}} 

Another level down from regions are individual settlements, which are ruled by citylords. When a citylord dies without a proper heir, a new citylord is sent to replace them. These citylords own the land and territory of a settlement, and rent it out to inhabitants.{{book ref|sa1|16}}{{book ref|sa1|25}} These inhabitants pay an income tax, which varies depending upon the size and purpose of the settlement in question, with smaller farming towns like [[Hearthstone]] primarily paying in produce such as lavis grain, while larger cities levy more financial taxes. Furthermore, the citylord only gets a portion of the collected taxes, with most going to their own local highlord, or to their Highprince.{{book ref|sa3|116}}{{wob ref|13449}}

Citylords have legal authority over those on their manor, and are allowed to press them into passing armies at will, so long as they are over the age of fifteen and aren’t vital to the community. They are also able to forbid an individual from willingly joining into service.{{book ref|sa1|16}}{{book ref|sa1|37}}{{book ref|sa1|44}}

Citylords are ultimately subservient to the lord of the territory that they inhabit, and in various ways have to pay tribute to their local lord.{{book ref|sa3|116}}{{wob ref|13449}}

==== Known Princedoms ====
The territories of Alethkar and their major settlements are:
{{columns|
;[[Kholin princedom]]: In the east of Alethkar
* '''[[Kholinar]]''' (capital city)
* [[Shulin]]

;[[Sadeas princedom]]: In the north-west of Alethkar
* [[Hearthstone]]
* [[Hobbleken]]
* [[Hornhollow]]
* [[Mourn's Vault]]
* [[Tomat]]
* [[Shorsebroon]]
* [[Stringken]]

;[[Aladar princedom]]: In the north of Alethkar
* [[Dalilak]]

;[[Roion princedom]]: In the north-east of Alethkar
* [[Relanas]]
* [[Varikev]]

;[[Vamah princedom]]: In the north-west of Alethkar
* [[Farcoast]]
* [[Revolar]]

;[[Ruthar princedom]]: In the west of Alethkar
* [[Kelathar]]
* [[Danidan]]

;[[Thanadal princedom]]: In the center of Alethkar
* [[Davinar]]
* [[Savalashi]]

;[[Hatham princedom]]: In the west of Alethkar
* [[Darkhill]]
* [[Shamel]]

;[[Bethab princedom]]: In the south-west of Alethkar
* [[Dumadari]]
* [[Karanak]]

;[[Sebarial princedom]]: In the south of Alethkar
* [[Rashir]]

;[[Eastern Crownlands]]: In southeast Alethkar, ultimately part of the Kholin Princedom
* [[Rathalas]]
* [[Vedelliar]]

; Unknown princedom
* [[Inkwell (town)|Inkwell]]
* [[Talinar]]
}}

=== Laws and Codes ===
Alethkar has a large quantity of laws. One such law is the Alethi code, of which provision eighty seven states that a criminal may be pardoned if he has a vital task to perform for the good of all. The Alethi king or queen may also grant someone the authority to act on their behalf.{{book ref|Sa4|77}}

=== Government-in-Exile ===
Following the start of the True Desolation and the invasion and occuptation of Alethkar by Fused forces, the Alethi government became a government-in-exile centred around Urithiru.{{cite}}

They retained political recognition by other states despite their exile.{{cite}}

=== Foreign Policy and International Relationships ===
==== Azir ====
[[Azir]] has a deep distrust of Alethkar due to their militaristic nature, and due to the genocide perpetrated against them by Sadees, who is still held as a hero in Alethi historical recollection. Due to this, they were hesitant to join Alethkar in the Coalition of Monarchs or give them access to their Oathgate, until their hand was forced by a Singer attack.{{book ref|sa3|28}}{{book ref|sa3|64}}{{book ref|sa3|65}}

==== Herdaz ====
{{quote
|Herdaz? My aides say it is the traditional first step for an Alethi aggression.
|[[Taravangian]]{{book ref|sa3|24}}
}}

[[Herdaz]] was conquered by Alethkar during the conquests of Sadees the Sunmaker until the instability following his death.{{book ref|sa3|19}} They have been a typical first target in Alethi attempts at expansion throughout history, leading to a deeply bitter relationship between the two nations.{{book ref|sa3|24}} 

After a change in dynasties in Herdaz around {{rosharan date|1150}} led to them rallying their forces and pushing against Alethi borders for around four years of combat. These skirmishes shaped the modern Alethi-Herdaz border, and incited a degree of ethnic stife between the two peoples, with the Herdazians becoming the target to stereotypes and discrimination.{{book ref|sa3|49}}{{book ref|sa3|52}} Due to their history, the Herdazian government was distrusting of Alethkar when they approached them with offers to join the Coalition of monarchs.{{book ref|sa3|24}} 

Although they are currently allied in their fight against Fused forces, distrust and tension still exist between the two armies, as the people haven't forgotten the atrocities committed against their people by the Alethi during the {{rosharan date|1150}}-{{rosharan date|1154}} border conflicts, and other such conflicts. They are very quick to slate Alethi generals for execution when they commit crimes against their people.{{book ref|sa3|i|10}}{{book ref|sa4|16}}

==== Jah Keved ====
They have repeatedly fought with the neighboring [[Jah Keved]], fighting for territory at their shared border.{{book ref|sa1|16}}{{book ref|sa3|52}} These wars tend to be pushed more by western Highprinces instead of by national efforts pushed forward by the crown.{{book ref|sa1|16}} At the same time, marriage of lighteyes between nations is nothing seen as particularly out of the ordinary, nor is it forbidden by any religious tenants or national laws.{{book ref|sa2|1}}

Through trade treaties, they are able to trade with Jah Kaved for cheap.{{book ref|sa3|66}}

==== Kharbranth ====
Before Taravangian's betrayal of the Coalition of Monarchs, Kharbranth and Alethkar had a close political and economic relationship. This relationship led to Kharbranth joining the Coalition of Monarchs before any other nation.{{cite}} Whilst they appeared to be good allies, Taravangian was secretly planning to cause Dalinar's rule over Alethkar to collapse allowing him to take control of the nation.{{book ref|sa3|107}}{{book ref|sa3|122}}

Following the reveal of his deceit, and his fall from authority in Kharbranth, [[Savrahalidem]] became Queen and withdrew from the alliance, declaring neutrality in the conflict. This led to an increase in tensions between them, ultimately leading to Dalinar creating a trade blockade across the sea near Kharbranth to force them back into the alliance.{{book ref|sa4|50}}

==== Listeners ====
When they first met, the listeners and Alethi had a positive relationship. After a number of expeditions the Alethi wished to formalize their relationship, which led to the establishment of a treaty between the two peoples in {{Rosharan date|1167|10|missing-date=y}}.{{book ref|sa1|6}}{{book ref|sa1|prologue}} This treaty contained clauses to simplify trade between the peoples and for mutual border crossing. The treaty also prevented the listeners from trading their Shards to other kingdoms without first coming to Alethkar. Aside from these clauses the treaty also allowed for one party to legally attack the other party.{{book ref|sa4|77}}

Peace quickly broke down however when on the very night that the treaty was signed King Gavilar Kholin was assassinated under listener orders, which lead to the enactment of the Vengence Pact and the beginning of the War of Reckoning against the listener people.{{book ref|sa3|105}} This slaughter of their people would continue for six years, until it ended with the start of the True Desolation on {{Rosharan date|1173|10|10|3}}.{{book ref|sa2|87}}

The Alethi see the listeners as sub-human savages barely capable of thought, and spread that supremacist ideology amongst their people and their soldiers.{{cite}}

==== Marabethia ====
Alethkar requested that Marabethia join in the Coalition of monarchs, however, Marabethia refused to respond to these invitations.{{book ref|sa3|24}}

==== Reshi Isles ====
Throughout their history, Alethkar and the [[Reshi|Reshi Isles]] have been in a state of near constant conflict, seen in conflicts such as the [[Wastescum skirmishes]].{{book ref|sa1|16}}{{book ref|sa1|18}}{{wob ref|3664}} Attacks at the northern border continued even long into the War of Reckoning.{{book ref|sa1|52}} The Alethi conquest of [[Akak]], and their extermination of the Akak Reshi, likely played a role in Reshi aggression towards Alethkar.{{book ref|sa1|56}}{{book ref|sa3|52}}

They appear to have good relationships with at least a few Reshi islands, with some providing chulls and handlers to the Alethi military during the War of Reckoning.{{book ref|sa1|28}} During the True Desolation, in the year {{rosharan date|1174}}, they allied with the Reshi isle of [[Relu-na]] and their king [[Ral-na]].{{book ref|sa3.5|3}}

==== Thaylenah ====
Thaylenah is an important member of the Coalition of monarchs,{{cite}}{{expand}} though they deeply distrusted Alethkar and Dalinar due to the prior actions of both entities, before ultimately choosing to join the Coalition.{{cite}}

==== Yezier ====
They have a stable system of trade with Yezier, wherein Yezier sells them a variety of clothing articles, which are of great popularity in Alethkar.{{book ref|sa3|49}} Yezier quickly requested to join the coalition of monarchs with Alethkar shortly after the start of the True Desolation.{{book ref|sa3|65}}{{book ref|sa3|111}} This created a close economic and military union between the two nations.

== Military ==
=== Enlistment and Wages ===
==== Enlistment ====
Any man, lighteyed or darkeyed, can volunteer to join the military. Most of the volunteers are boys, their head full of ideas about glory and Shards. When needed, conscription can also used to gain more men.{{book ref|sa1|44}}

It is seen as a citylord’s duty to handpick men to conscript into the army. There are limitations to this system however, a citylord isn’t allowed to conscript someone who provides an essential service to the community, such as a surgeon. Recruits may bring two changes of clothing and three stoneweights of other possessions with them.{{book ref|sa1|44}}

Each enlistment lasts four years, after which a soldier can choose to enlist for another four years. Upon completion of his time in the army, he will receive a war bonus, equal to one tenth of his total wages. If a darkeyed soldier manages to distinguish himself and rise to a high rank, he could also rise in nahn.{{book ref|sa1|44}} 

==== Wages ====
Alethi soldiers are well paid, although their wages are based upon military rank and caste.{{book ref|sa3|2}} The average darkeyed spearman is paid five clearmarks a day.{{book ref|sa1|27}} As higher ranking men, someone in the personal guard of a lighteyes generally thrice as much as the wage of a standard spearman, which translates to about 15 clearmarks each day.{{book ref|sa1|73}} Military slaves are paid a fifth of the wage of a darkeyed soldier, around one clearmark a day.{{book ref|sa1|27}}{{book ref|sa1|4}}

There are a number ways to earn money outside of your wages. A lot of low ranking men in the military are susceptible to bribes.{{book ref|sa1|47}} Some men also try to steal from the dead, although this is strictly prohibited by the officers. If a group of regular soldiers has killed a noteworthy target, usually an important brightlord, they can send for their captainlord, who will confirm the kill, to earn a reward.{{book ref|sa1|47}} Many armies allow their soldiers to pillage a conquered city or town, which is a large source of wealth to the soldiers.{{book ref|sa3|3}} When a soldier dies, his highprince needs to pay his family.{{book ref|sa2|40}} 

=== Command structure ===
==== Leadership ====
The Alethi military not a single unified entity, rather, it is a loose coalition of ten different militaries. These ten militaries are sworn directly to their respective highprinces. This means that the king has very little say in how the military is run; he doesn’t command anything other then the two hundred and fifty strong King’s Guard.{{book ref|sa2|5}} There is constant in-fighting between the highprinces' armies, even during wartime,{{book ref|sa1|47}} and cooperation between the highprinces themselves is seen as a weakness.{{book ref|sa1|54}} This is bolstered by the tenets of Vorinism that say the purpose of life is to prepare in order to join the Heralds in the fight to regain the [[Tranquiline Halls]] and Alethi belief that everything is a competition in life.{{book ref|sa1|15}} Recently, in an effort to truly unify the kingdom, [[Dalinar Kholin]] has been appointed as the [[Highprince of War]] by the king. This title was used in Alethkar before being fragmented into ten princedoms when each highprince was given the ultimate authority over one aspect of the governing of the kingdom. On paper, this gives Kholin authority over all war-related activities.{{book ref|sa1|69}}

Aside from this division between the armies, the Alethi have excellent leadership. This is mostly due to how for the Alethi, being a leader essentially the same is as being a general.{{book ref|sa4|27}} Alethi officers, be it low ranking or high ranking officers, learn how to properly and effectively boost the morale of their troops.{{book ref|sa3|78}} If a commander, like a captain or companylord, isn’t in place to give commands, the most senior of his officers has command.{{book ref|sa3|73}}

{| class="infobox side" style="width: 22em; float:right; font-size: 88%;"
!colspan='3' style="text-align:center; background:#cce" |'''Chain of command'''
|-
! Unit
! Soldiers
! Typical Commander
|-
| subsquad
| 6–8
| sergeant
|-
| squad
| ~25
| squadleader
|-
| platoon
| ~50
| captain/captainlord
|-
| company
| ~100
| companylord
|-
| battalion
| ~1000
| battalionlord
|-
| division
| ~2000
| general
|-
| army
| —
| highprince
|-
|colspan='3' | <small>In companies made solely of lighteyes, the rank "lieutenant" is used as the equivalent of sergeant.</small>
|}

==== Ranks ====
The Alethi military is complex and contains many ranks. The figure to the right shows some of the ranks and gives some information about them. Besides these, there are a few extra ranks or duties. One such rank is highmarshal. It is unknown what the position of highmarshal entails, but it is a high rank, and most highmarshals command a large force of soldiers practically by themselves.{{book ref|sa1|47}} Some officers are responsible for a branch of the army, such as the infantry or cavalry, these officers are referred to by their duties, along with the suffix -lord (e.g. cavalrylord, infantrylord).{{book ref|sa1|26}} Besides these ranks, some officers gain command of certain parts of the army (e.g. the rearguard). These officers are referred to as ‘commander of the … (part of the army)’ (e.g. commander of the rearguard).{{book ref|sa1|68}} It is not known whether this is a rank or a duty. It is extremely rare for a darkeyed soldier to rise higher than the rank of squadleader.{{book ref|sa1|47}}

=== Equipment === 
==== Uniforms ====
Although uniforms differ between princedoms and even armies, most Alethi wear something very similar. Uniforms are usually coloured with the colours of their wearer’s highprince.{{book ref|sa1|46}}{{book ref|sa1|58}}{{book ref|sa3|116}} 

Uniforms are generally comprised of trousers, a jacket, which often comes down to the waist and sometimes buttons closed beneath the belt, a shirt and boots.{{book ref|sa2|2}}{{book ref|sa3|59}} Some traditional generals still outfit their soldiers with [[takama]]s instead of trousers.{{book ref|sa2|52}} Uniforms, both the ones owned common soldiers and the ones owned by high ranking lighteyed officers, always have a patch to indicate the duty and unit of the wearer.{{book ref|sa2|2}} Uniforms also always have their Highprince’s glyphpair displayed prominently, both on the back and the breast.{{book ref|sa1|18}} Some men choose to further personalize their uniforms by adding embrodiery or colourful scarfs.{{book ref|sa2|44}} When it rains soldiers may choose to wear a stormcoat over their uniform, and there are often umbrellas ready for officers.{{book ref|sa2|81}}

An officer’s uniform is usually comprised of a waistcoat and a double breasted longcoat, sometimes decorated with precious metals, although never with embroidery. These longcoats, called officer’s coats, are approximately waistlength and are supposed to hang unbuttoned.{{book ref|sa1|22}}{{book ref|sa2|2}} Recruits wear a patch, appropriately called a recruit’s patch, to signify their rank.{{book ref|sa2|24}} Army surgeons wear white clothing.{{book ref|sa1|47}} Messenger women often wear travelling dresses of a particular fashion. These dresses have the front and back slit open, all the way to the waist, to allow for greater mobility.{{book ref|sa2|76}} They, and likely messenger boys as well, also wear something called a runner’s sash.{{book ref|sa2|81}}

Officers are distinguished by knots on a cord across the epaulette, with the amount of knots and their colour signifying their military rank, and their rank in the Alethi caste system.{{book ref|sa1|1}}{{book ref|sa1|6}}{{book ref|sa1|17}}{{book ref|sa1|26}}{{book ref|sa1|46}}{{book ref|sa1|47}}{{book ref|sa1|58}}{{book ref|sa1|67}} White knots indicate a citizen officer, that is a sergeant or squadleader;{{book ref|sa1|1}}{{book ref|sa1|6}}{{book ref|sa1|46}} red knots indicate an officer of seventh dahn;{{book ref|sa1|46}} and gold knots indicate second or third dahn;{{book ref|sa1|26}}{{book ref|sa1|46}} It can also distinguish between low captain,{{book ref|sa1|67}} captain,{{book ref|sa2|25}}{{book ref|sa3|83}}{{book ref|sa3|117}} captainlord,{{book ref|sa3|63}} lieutenant,{{book ref|sa3|i|14}} sergeant,{{book ref|sa3|6}} and battalionlord.{{book ref|sa4|40}} Soldiers without authority bear no knots.{{book ref|sa1|17}}{{book ref|sa1|46}}{{book ref|sa1|67}}{{book ref|sa4|23}}

==== Armor ====
The Alethi are outfitted with a large variety of armours, what a soldier wears depends on their job, wealth, and rank. Regardless of these factors however, soldiers almost always wear the colors of their highprince.{{book ref|sa1|47}}

Regular spearmen wear special knee-length skirts, which are appropriately named spearmen skirts.{{book ref|sa1|1}} It is forbidden for spearmen, even squadleaders, to wear trousers, although this rule isn’t taken very serious; respected soldiers won’t get into trouble for breaking it.{{book ref|sa1|47}} Regular spearmen wear steel breastplates, which have emblems on them, and leather jerkins, they also don’t seem to wear any arm or leg guards.{{book ref|sa1|1}} Besides these armor pieces they also wear steel, or sometimes leather, caps.{{book ref|sa1|1}}{{book ref|sa4|108}} Wealthier soldiers, or those in professional armies, may also wear chainmail.{{book ref|sa2|2}} Archers generally wear leather vests,{{book ref|sa1|57}} while heavy infantry wears thick steel armour.{{book ref|sa1|4}}

Wealthy lighteyes often wear steel plate armour. At least some lighteyes decorate their plate armour to resemble Shardplate. Some lighteyes prefer helms with open visors to helms with closed visors.{{book ref|sa3|3}} Some lighteyed soldiers also decorate their helmets with bird plumes.{{book ref|sa3|11}} Many lighteyes wear breakaway, so that if an enemy grips the garment it breaks away from the armour, cloaks or capes, which are often emblazoned with their house’s glyphpair.{{book ref|sa2|56}}{{book ref|sa3|3}} High ranking Brightlords may sometimes have a shieldbearer with them.{{book ref|sa1|24}} The Alethi also have access to a number of sets of [[Shardplate]]. While the natural color of dead Shardplate is slate-grey,{{book ref|sa1|12}} it is extremely common among the Alethi to change the appearance of one's Shardplate by painting it or adorning it with decorative details or even gemstones.{{book ref|sa1|12}}

==== Weaponry ====
Most of the Alethi soldiers are equipped with spears, both longspears and shortspears,{{book ref|sa2|81}} and shields.{{book ref|sa1|47}} The Alethi also use maces,{{book ref|sa2|6}} polearms, pikes and halberds.{{book ref|sa3|11}}{{book ref|sa3|73}}{{book ref|sa4|77}} Spears are generally used alongside large round shields, which have a metal plate set into the wood.{{book ref|sa1|1}} Instead of round shields, pikes are used alongside large rectangular shields.{{book ref|sa3|73}} The round shields used by spearmen are designed to hang from someone’s back, shields are also painted to indicate one’s loyalty, this allows the soldiers to distinguish between friends and foes. Some soldiers strap knife sheaths to the haft of their spear.{{book ref|sa1|1}} The Alethi also use truncheons when they don’t want to kill.{{book ref|sa3|73}} The Alethi are skilled in the use of bows, of which most are shortbows. Despite this, longbows are also used.{{book ref|sa3|3}} Most soldiers can’t choose what weapons to wield themselves; their weapons depend on their position in the army (e.g. spears for spearmen and bows for archers). Some higher ranking soldiers however, like squadleaders, are allowed to choose weapons.{{book ref|sa1|47}}

Only lighteyes wield swords, although almost never as primary weapons, because according to Vorin traditions the sword is a lighteyed's weapon.{{book ref|sa1|prologue}} These swords include both longswords and shortswords.{{book ref|sa4|35}} One handed swords are often wielded with small round shields.{{book ref|sa3|73}} Alethi heavy infantry, which always consists of lighteyed men, carries heavy impact based weapons such as maces, they also often carry square steel shields.{{book ref|sa1|6}} Due to Vorin cultural ideas women can’t be armed, even scouts are only allowed to wear knives.{{book ref|sa3|70}} The Alethi also have a number of [[Shardblade]]s, around twenty, these blades are used effectively in combat.{{book ref|sa1|56}}

=== Strategy ===
==== Troops ====
The Alethi Military has a lot of soldiers, approximately a hundred fifty thousand troops.{{book ref|sa1|22}} Most of these troops are darkeyed spearmen, with a smaller percentage of lighteyed heavy infantry and archers.{{book ref|sa1|6}}{{book ref|sa3|26}} At the tail end of the Era of Solitude Alethi warfare started to include more and more cavalry,{{book ref|sa3|73}} an army in the year 1145 would have about fifty horsemen,{{book ref|sa3|26}} if not less, while an army in 1173 would have several hundred horsemen.{{book ref|sa3|6}} The Alethi armies aren’t entirely made up of Alethi, they also contain people from different nations, such as Herdaz,{{book ref|sa2|22}} and Jah Keved.{{book ref|sa1|1}} The Alethi also employ many army surgeons, their apprentices are almost all men who have some incapacitation, preventing them from fighting.{{book ref|sa1|47}} Following the start of the True Desolation, the Alethi armies began employing [[Surge|surgebinders]] to aid in their war efforts.{{book ref|sa4|64}} Foremost among these surgebinders are those of the [[Order of Windrunners]]. Besides the Windrunners the Alethi employ a large number of [[Order of Edgedancers|Edgedancers]], with a smaller number of [[Order of Lightweavers|Lightweavers]].{{book ref|sa4|3}}{{book ref|sa4|20}} 

Each of the Alethi armies has it’s own strength, with the [[Kholin princedom|Kholin]] army having the best heavy infantry, the [[Roion princedom|Roion]] army the best archers and the [[Sadeas princedom|Sadeas]] army the fastest bridges, at least during the [[War of Reckoning]].{{book ref|sa1|24}} 

==== Formations ====
The Alethi make use of a wide variety of formations. They generally fight in a shield wall.{{book ref|sa1|65}} However, they also have many other formations. One such formation is called ‘pincer pattern’. This formation looks, as the name suggests, like a pincer, the formation is meant to distract and then destroy an enemy target. The troops at the side generally distract the target while the troops in the middle go for the kill. Pincer pattern is meant to be used by a large number of men, like a full squad or company.{{book ref|sa1|47}} Soldiers are also trained to assemble and function in pike blocks to counter heavy cavalry.{{book ref|sa3|73}} Another, unnamed, formation has the men spread out, the first line holds their spears low while the second line holds their spears higher in an overhand grip.{{book ref|sa3|29}}

Another formation is called the trident formation, this is a small-squad battlefield formation used by spearmen. The men, or man, in the middle hold(s) the target’s attention while those on the outside attack from the flanks.{{book ref|sa2|32}} Squads are trained to fight in a V formation, they also learn a number of marching formations, one of these formations is the hefty rearguard formation, which focuses on the rearguard to prevent enemies from sneaking up on the troops.{{book ref|sa1|1}}{{book ref|sa3|29}} There are also a number of formations that aren’t used on the battlefield. One such formation is used during an inspection, the men will stand in lines while the officer(s) check(s) their gear.{{book ref|sa3|78}}

==== Battlefield tactics ====
The Alethi employ a wide range of tactics. One popular tactic that is often used by the Alethi is the hammer and anvil tactic.{{book ref|sa3|3}} The Alethi are also practiced at executing a fake rout, often leading to an ambush.{{book ref|sa4|41}} 

The Alethi infantry is usually employed in large block like formations, these blocks can get very large, with some of them being five thousand men strong.{{book ref|sa4|64}} These standard spearmen blocks engage enemies as much as to position them as to do harm.{{book ref|sa3|26}} The Alethi infantry blocks are also extremely mobile, far more so then infantry blocks from other militaries.{{book ref|sa4|47}} The Alethi infantry uses their shields, forming a canopy of sorts, to protect from arrows and throwing spears.{{book ref|sa3|26}} In these spearmen blocks, the front row of soldiers rotates to the back every ten minutes.{{book ref|sa4|64}} This means that for every minute you're fighting, you also have a minute to rest.{{book ref|sa4|49}} For most of Alethi history, due to lack of horses, light infantry was used to harry enemy armies.{{book ref|sa3|52}}

{{sidequote|All wars are games. The greatest kind, with the pieces lost real lives, the prizes captured making for real wealth! This is the life for which men exist. To fight, to kill, to win.|The [[Sadees|Sunmaker]], who shaped modern Alethi militarism{{book ref|sa1|24}}|side=right|size =300px}}

Cavalry has never played a large role in Alethi warfare, at least, until recent times. Warfare has started to include more and more cavalry.{{book ref|sa3|73}} Cavalry has historically been used to fight shardbearers,{{book ref|sa3|26}} and has more recently begun being used to break lines.{{book ref|sa1|67}} Cavalry was used extensively during the [[War of Reckoning]], mainly to break ‘Parshendi’ lines and establish a beachhead for the rest of the army to exploit.{{book ref|sa1|17}}

While the soldiers are trained to fight in formations, some battles, the ones fought between largely unprofessional armies, immediately start with a charge, the lines and formations disintegrating. These battles are extremely chaotic, the armies often mingle indistinguishably and squads split up to fight other small groups.

The Alethi are excellent, by modern standards, at using their surgebinders. Windrunners are used to launch aerial assaults on the enemy, defend the Alethi armies against other [[Surgebinding#gravitation|lashing]] surgebinders and aid in conventional ground attacks.{{book ref|sa4|64}} Besides this, the Windrunners scout the surrounding landscape and aid in moving troops, mostly generals or other high ranking officers, around.{{book ref|sa4|111}} The Edgedancers are mainly used as medics, with their use of the surge of Progression the Edgedancers can heal anyone in a matter of seconds. In contrast to these surgebinders, the Lightweavers don’t enter combat, instead they serve mostly as spies.

The Alethi generals are constantly trying to get an edge over each other, ensuring that Alethi warfare rapidly evolves. During the Unification of Alethkar, around the year 1145, the Kholin army implemented new tactics. These tactics saw the Kholin army dominate other Alethi armies, such as the one commanded by [[Kalanor]]. The army would largely be made up of lighteyed heavy infantry and lightly armoured but fast archers. The middle of the army would contain the heavy infantry, which served to keep the enemy infantry busy, while mobile archer units deployed to the sides, firing down upon the enemy flanks. The enemy infantry would often attempt to engage the archers, but the heavy infantry prevented this, threatening to break through the central block.{{book ref|sa3|26}} It is likely that this strategy evolved into another, which has become commonplace by the year 1172. This evolved strategy had infantry carrying shortspears in the first ranks, men carrying longspears or javelins behind, while the strategy kept the original idea of having archers at the sides.{{book ref|sa1|1}} At some point during the year 1163, the Alethi began to make use of small and mobile squads.{{book ref|sa3|66}} 

After the assassination of king Gavilar the Alethi armies saw themselves pitted against the [[listener]]s, who used different and previously unknown strategies. These strategies, along with the listener advantages such as carapace armour, resulted in a number of embarrassing Alethi defeats. They eventually adapted to the [[listener]] strategies by increasing the flexibility of their armies, making them able to respond quickly to the uncanny way the listeners fought. Likewise, during the True Desolation, warfare began to change. There were far fewer large scale formations, those became far to easy to disrupt. Instead men spent their time in protected warcamps, occasionally making a sudden surge to claim ground and shove away the enemy. During this time battles changed from decisive engagements to several month long fights.{{book ref|sa4|43}}

Sieges are rare in Alethkar, and often last only a short time. This is due to soulcasters, which make it almost impossible to starve a city out. Instead, the Alethi break down the walls quickly, seize the high ground to pound the city for a while or simply attack, attempting to scale and conquer the walls.{{book ref|sa3|19}}{{book ref|sa3|11}} During a siege, a general has to make a difficult decision, which is widely regarded as a conundrum, does he choose the best position to weather storms, or does he seize the high ground. Most generals choose the former.{{book ref|sa1|22}}

==== Shardbearer tactics ====
With over thirty [[Shardbearer]]s,{{book ref|sa2|5}} the Alethi have become incredibly skilled at employing and fighting alongside their Shardbearers.

Alethi Shardbearers often lead formations, cutting a hole through enemy ranks with their overwhelming force.{{book ref|sa1|68}} This creates a gap that the well-trained Alethi soldiers can exploit, which can even allow for an army to overcome superior numbers. Shardbearers will also sometimes be used in defensive fights to close the gaps in their own lines, moving quickly between weak places to give soldiers a chance to recover and return to their formation.{{book ref|sa1|67}} Alethi Shardbearers almost always have an honorguard with them, which follows them into enemy lines.{{book ref|sa1|56}} This honor guard does not spend time defending the Shardbearer directly, but rather stays nearby to support the Shardbearer, so if his Plate is severely damaged or he is seriously injured, the Shardbearer can retreat to safety and not risk their life or their Shards.{{book ref|sa1|28}}

The Alethi have also become adept at countering Shards. They have learned that the best way is to send another Shardbearer against them.{{book ref|sa1|24}} By leveling the playing field in this way, the overwhelming power of a Shardbearer is negated and victory is left to the most skilled of the fighters.{{book ref|sa2|54}} Aside from that, they use heavy weapons such as war hammers and axes in an attempt to shatter the plate.{{book ref|sa1|56}} The most common tactic employed by the Alethi is to simply drown a Shardbearer in enemies.{{book ref|sa2|85}} There are also soldiers trained specifically to deal with Shardbearers. They utilize ropes and hooks to try to unbalance or trip the shardbearer, though this isn't always successful as shardplates are extremely heavy.{{book ref|sa2|81}} Some Alethi Fortifications are built to withstand Shardbearers. These fortifications are built with narrow corridors to prevent a bulky Shardbearer from maneuvering.{{book ref|sa3|66}}

==== Bridge Crews ====
{{for|Bridge crew}}
{{image|Sadeas bridges.jpg|side=right|width=300px}}

Bridge Crews were a very important part of most of the Alethi armies during the War of Reckoning, serving as an expendable workforce that carried bridges to help soldiers cross over the large chasms between plateaus. They also acted as canon fodder for Parshendi bowmen, as to direct attention away from more trained and valued soldiers.{{book ref|sa1|32}} Due to this, bridgemen had a very high mortality rate, with around half a crew dying per run.{{book ref|sa1|9}}

Each Bridge Crew was made up of 35-40 men, which were lead by a Bridge sergeant, who reports directly to the Brightlord in charge of the crews.{{book ref|sa1|6}}{{book ref|sa1|17}} Each crew has an internal leader elected amongst themselves known as the bridge leader, who has no official authority outside of that which his crewmembers choose to give him.{{book ref|sa1|14}} Members of bridge crews were typically payed five clearmarks a week, given on the third day of every week.{{book ref|sa1|11}}{{book ref|sa1|14}}{{book ref|sa1|27}}

The bridges used by Torol Sadeas's army are eight feet wide and two feet thick, with supports on both sides extending its width to sixteen feet. They are also thirty feet long, and allowed one to set up 8 men per column and 5 men per row.{{file ref|Sadeas_bridges.jpg|Bridge Run Interior Art}}

While not on bridge runs, they are typically used as cheap manpower to preform undesirable duties at war camps, such as chasm or latrine duty.{{book ref|sa1|27}}

Not all highprinces made use of bridge crews, with Dalinar Kholin notably refusing to make direct use of them. He instead made use of large bridges on wheels, pulled by chulls. Due to being heavier and pulled by chulls instead of people, movement is significantly slower, but Dalinar makes use of it regardless as it results in a major reduction of casualties during plateau runs.{{book ref|sa1|26}}

==== Communication on the battlefield ====
On the battlefield, runners are used to give orders.{{book ref|sa1|65}} Many leaders give speeches to their troops, these speeches are then recorded by a number of scribes, who are always women, and repeated to the rest of the army.{{book ref|sa2|81}} Horns are used to signal certain commands.{{book ref|sa4|64}} Aside from this, when it is dark stormlight may also be used to give certain signals, such as the signal to attack.{{book ref|sa2|81}} The Alethi, like the other Rosharan militaries, have become incredibly dependent on spanreeds for communication. They use them to gather information about enemy movements and to spread commands.{{book ref|sa4|41}} 

War banners are used to mark divisions, battalions and companies. This makes a battlefield easily surveyable for someone who understands the system.{{book ref|sa4|27}} Most high ranking brightlords have their own personal glyphpair, which, like the name suggests, is usually made up of two glyphs.{{book ref|sa1|28}} These glyphpairs are often painted on war banners, which ensures that particular brightlords are easy to find on a battlefield.{{book ref|sa1|67}} A red banner, which is usually attached to a spear or pole, serves as a call to the runners to carry the wounded off the field.{{book ref|sa1|1}} There is a symbol, which every Alethi recognises, to indicate a truce.{{book ref|sa3|76}}

When the sound of battle is loud enough, a squadleader may decide to give his commands by banging his spear against his shield in a certain rhythm, with particular rhythms meaning particular commands.{{book ref|sa1|47}} Some troops, like a lighteyes’ personal guard, are trained to recognise certain arm gestures, which mean certain commands, such as to retreat.{{book ref|sa1|13}}{{book ref|sa1|28}}

==== Planning and army movement ====
After centuries of warfare the Alethi have become adept at effectively moving their armies around. While highstorms are a problem, good planning prevents an army from needing to be out during one, except in some rare cases, in which case the army will search for a lait to set up camp.{{book ref|sa3|19}}{{book ref|sa1|4}} If a campaign takes longer then anticipated, the army can split and retreat back to a number of close towns for shelter.{{book ref|sa3|19}} Due to highstorms, the Weeping is a common time for military campaigns.{{book ref|sa2|79}} 

==== Soulcasters and supplies ====
Alethkar possesses numerous soulcasters, most of them are capable of creating materials such as grain or stone. In fact, Alethkar has a near monopoly on food making soulcasters.{{book ref|sa2|i|9}}{{book ref|Dawnshard|epilogue}} The existence of these Soulcasters enables the Alethi to raise and supply large armies that their logistics would not normally allow for, as it can be difficulty to travel in Alethkar, and the Alethi have poor supply line infrastructure.{{wob ref|3824}} Soulcasters are also used to supply the armies with wood, metal, and other necessities. Although despite their access to many soulcasters, small armies often have only one, to be used in emergencies only, this means that they still need to run supply trains.{{book ref|sa3|52}} The king controls most of the Soulcaster ardents; in fact, manipulating the highprinces with his Soulcasters is one of the ways that the king maintains a control over them.{{book ref|sa1|15}}

{{sidequote
|Plan every battle as if you will inevitably retreat, but fight every battle like there is no backing down.
|Highmarshal Halad{{book ref|sa3|29}}
|side=right|size=300px
}}

==== Warcamps ====
How a warcamp is organised and run depends greatly on the highprince. Some camps are organised and patrolled while others are chaotic and almost lawless.{{book ref|sa2|5}} Alethi warcamps are generally circular, with the camp followers in a ring on the outside, the mercenaries, if there are any, in a ring next to them, the citizen soldiers in the middle and the lighteyes in the very center.{{book ref|sa1|4}} Inside these rings the barracks, which are placed in rows, are arranged into circular patterns, with a meeting ground and a mess hall at the center of each battalion.{{book ref|sa1|26}} Barracks are often painted with the symbols of the platoons using them.{{book ref|sa2|2}} Some warcamps have wooden scouting towers, these towers are designed to be portable and mobile.{{book ref|sa3|26}} Many warcamps have a market, which is located in the camp followers' part of the camp. Most warcamps also have a number of barracks that allow for families, or married soldiers can rent a place in the market.{{book ref|sa2|46}} 

The Alethi use latrines to collect their waste. These latrines are made up of a long sloping trough, which is covered with oiled and tarred wooden boards to seal in the scent, and a latrine house, which is always located on the high end of the latrine. The contents of these latrines are soulcast to smoke once every few months.{{book ref|sa1|28}}

Some warcamps have a building called a ‘warcenter’. This building, often made of wood, serves as the home of the general or high officer while on campaign. Warcenters are luxurious, decorated with trophies, rugs and more. Most warcenters are constructed of dozens of sturdy sections, which can be attached and deattached whenever the officer likes. These wooden parts are transported individually by [[chull]]s.{{book ref|sa1|51}}

=== Training ===
The way soldiers are trained depends on the princedom they’re from. In at least some princedoms it is seen as the squadleader’s or sergeant’s task to train new recruits. In the [[Sadeas princedom]], squadleaders are given six weeks to train a new cohort of recruits.{{book ref|sa1|49}} The Alethi are excellent soldiers, each individual is far better at single combat then any given Azish or Veden soldier. Besides their skill in combat, soldiers are usually trained in one or two additional skills, e.g. horse grooms.{{book ref|twok|28}} Soldiers are also trained to give a proper salute, which includes moving a hand to your breast.{{Book ref|sa2|75}} 

Soldiers are trained in a specific order. Firstly, spearmen are taught a proper stance, only after that do they get trained in fighting. The first stance they learn is called the ‘elementary forward spear stance’. It takes about a week to learn the proper stances, although this is worth it as men who have learned the stances become better at fighting far quicker then those who don’t know the stances. After the second or third day of practice the men begin with resetting exercises, these exercises are meant to teach someone to revert to the proper stance without thinking.{book ref|sa1|49}} Sometime after this the recruits are taught how to move to avoid arrows, light on their feet and erratic, and a number of grappling moves.{{book ref|sa1|53}}

{{sidequote|There hasn’t been peace since the Tranquiline Halls, Man’s life on Roshar is conflict.|a quotation from [[The Arguments]]{{book ref|sa1|24}}|side=right|size =300px}}

==== Drills ====
The Alethi have a large number of drills to practice certain formations, movements and fighting in general.{{book ref|sa1|28}}

The ‘close order’ drill is an essential exercise to an army’s performance, although few outside the military appreciate its importance. There is also a drill called the ‘extended order’ drill, sometimes called the ‘extended combat’ drill, this drill focuses on practicing formations and movements used on the battlefield.{{book ref|sa1|28}}

==== Kata ====
The Alethi make use of a number of exercises called katas. A kata is meant to work the muscles, as well as practice basic stances and attacks. Katas are not meant to be practical; they are usually a lot more showier then useful. There is genuine skill required to properly perform a kata however, this skill is usually seen back in the speed, grace and smoothness of a kata.{{book ref|sa1|27}} Some people practice katas to calm themselves and relax.{{book ref|sa3|93}} There are both spear and sword katas, and likely for other weapons as well.{{book ref|sa1|27}}{{book ref|sa3|93}}

==== Shardbearer training ====
The Alethi military also relies on trained [[Shardwielding|Shardbearers]] to aid their regular soldiers. Due to their militaristic society, and the large amount of Shards they have, the Alethi have become excellent at training Shardbearers.

In most cases, lighteyed boys of appropriate rank around the age of ten are chosen by an ardent swordmaster for training.{{book ref|sa2|16}} These boys typically already have at least some training with the sword. The swordmaster teaches them the ten [[Stances|Shardblade Stances]] and familiarity with plate.{{book ref|sa2|44}} They train with Blades in two ways. If the trainee has no Blade of his own, they can make use of wooden practice swords that approximate the balance and weight of a real Blade. They may also borrow one of the King's Blades.{{book ref|sa2|16}} This tradition is one of the reasons the Alethi have the best trained Shardbearers on Roshar. Whenever a Shardbearer is killed or dies, there is always someone prepared to bond their Blade and use it right away. A swordmaster also coaches their student on how to control the Blade with their mind, commanding it to remain in place so it can be loaned to others.{{book ref|sa2|35}}

==== Training grounds ====
The Alethi soldiers train in specially designated buildings called training grounds. These buildings are split between those built for lighteyes and those built for darkeyes, although there is little difference between the actual buildings. The training grounds, or at least some of them, are run by [[Vorinism#priesthood|ardents]]. Training grounds all look fairly similar. They almost all have an open courtyard in the center, which is filled with a thick layer of sand. Bordering this courtyard is a raised walkway, which separates the courtyard from an outer building. This outer building wraps around most of the complex, leaving only the front open, which has a gate to enter the courtyard. The outer building is usually only a single room deep. Most men come to these complexes to train, but some also come to seek enjoyment.{{book ref|sa2|16}}

{{image|Practice Grounds.jpg|side=right|width=300px|A lighteyed Shardbearer on the Alethi practice grounds{{book ref|sa2|16}}}}

==== Punishments ====
The Alethi military also has a large number of punishments. Regular punishments, usually given by a squadleader, include menial duties and corporal punishment.{{book ref|sa3|91}}{{book ref|sa1|62}} A highprince can also choose to execute someone, or even leave them to the stormfather’s judgment, which includes tying them up and leaving them outside during a highstorm.{{book ref|sa1|34}} Officers can put people in a stockade.{{book ref|sa3|2}}

=== Fortifications ===
Alethkar contains many fortifications, spread roughly even throughout the nation due to inter-princedom warfare. These holdings serve as defenses, and let armies rest and hunker down for highstorms.{{book ref|sa3|19}} Soulcasters are used to build and supply fortifications.{{book ref|sa1|15}}{{book ref|sa3|19}} These fortifications are often equipped with ballistas and catapults, which are run by a crew of women because of Vorin ideas.{{book ref|sa3|11}} Some fortifications are built to withstand shardbearers. These fortifications have narrow corridors, or traps to make a Shardbearer fall a great distance.{{book ref|sa3|66}} Siege equipment is also used to defeat Shardbearers, specifically ballistas, nets to trap the Shardbearer,{{book ref|sa3|11}}{{book ref|sa3|71}} ropes and catapults.{{book ref|sa3|11}} Some fortifications also have men equipped with large poles to push shardbearers off the walls.{{book ref|sa3|71}}

<!----
Not sure where to put these:
* Alethi farmers sell their grain to merchants for unfairly cheap, who then bring it to cities at an immense markup. (SA1-27) [Probably in the economy section] 
----!>

== Economy ==
=== Currency ===
As with many other nations on Roshar, their economy was based upon [[Spheres|glass spheres with cut polestones in their center]], known simply as spheres. In the mint, they check sphere weights in order to see if they fell into the proper categories.{{book ref|sa4|16}} The value of polestones, and thus the worth of sphere denominations in their economy, is based around the value of the substances a polestone can transmute another substance into.{{book ref|sa3|part=ars}}

=== The Market ===
Alethkar has some form of open market,{{book ref|sa4|18}} though the amount of openness in the economy, that is the amount of government regulation in the market, is unclear.

=== Agriculture and Livestock ===
Akanny in the Sadeas Princedom served as a major source of agriculture throughout Alethkar, being the source of a signifigant portion of the nation's lavis and tallew.{{book ref|sa3|10}} Other towns and cities throughout Alethkar are important centures for the production of hog leather and meat, whilst others still harvested [[gumfrems]] for their gemhearts, which were used in the soulcasting of meat.{{book ref|sa3|10}}

=== Soulcasting ===

Soulcasting is central to the economy of Alethkar, used to feed mobile armies and augment local urban food stores.{{book ref|sa3|part=ars}} They hold a near monopoly on food-creating Soulcasters, and they are a vital part of their military infrastructure.{{book ref|sa3.5|epilogue}}

=== Taxation ===
Taxation is levied upon darkeyes and landless lighteyes over rights to live on the territory of wealthier lighteyes.{{book ref|sa3|106}} If a citylord fails to pay his taxes to the highlord, people are sent to collect it from him, often violently.{{book ref|sa3|26}}{{book ref|sa3|106}} The highlord answers to the highprince;{{book ref|sa3|116}} and highprinces themselves are taxed by the king for the right to use soulcasters, which were an important resource in waging prolonged, large-scale conflicts. This is the primary form of taxation levied upon the highprinces by the king.{{book ref|sa1|15}}

=== Foreign Trade ===

Through trade treaties, they are able to trade with Jah Keved for cheap.{{book ref|sa3|66}} As of the True Desolation, Fen Rnamdi held administration over trade and supply, as one of the stipulations in the coalition of monarchs.{{book ref|sa3|96}}

<!---
=== Infrastructure === 
Alethkar has poor transport infrastructure, making travel and resource movement between distant cities slow and cumbersome.{{cite}} This increases the important of soulcasters to their economy and military.{{cite}}

The aquisition of Oathgates after the Battle of Narak greatly assisted in trade across the continent.{{book ref|sa3|96}}

--->

== Notable Alethi ==
{{for|:Category: Alethi|a full list}}
{{columns|
*[[House Kholin]]
*[[Meridas Amaram]]
*[[Hesina]]
*[[Turinad Sebarial]]
*[[Kaladin]]
*[[Laral]]
*[[Moash]]
*[[Roshone]]
*[[Torol Sadeas]]
*[[Sunmaker]]
*[[Teft]]
*[[Wistiow]]
}}

== Trivia ==
*Alethi are modeled on half Asian and half Hawaiian people, and according to Brandon, picturing Alethi as looking east-Indian works very well.{{wob ref|2985}}
* At 7,134,000 km<sup>2</sup>, it is a little smaller than the total area of [[wikipedia:Australia|Australia]].{{17s ref|blog|634-roshar-physical-characteristics-and-areas|text=Roshar Physical Characteristics And Areas|date=2018-08-30|name=RosharAreas}}

== Notes ==
<references>
{{bws ref|date=2017-10-27|name=timeline|oathbringers-timeline|text=Oathbringer's Timeline}}
</references>
{{partial}}
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[[es:Alezkar]]