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'''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, onwith [[Roshar]]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}} InThe [[Azir]], theyAlethi are known asworld-wide thefor '''Tagarut'''militarism and fighting nature.{{book ref|tsm|26}}
 
The [[singer]]s' name for Alethkar is '''Avendla''', meaning Land of the Second Advance.{{book ref|sa4|14}} Prior to the [[True Desolation]], the Alethi were engaged in the [[War of Reckoning]] against the [[listeners]].{{book ref|sa1|23}} AtAs of {{rosharan date|1175}} on the presentVorin 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 ==
 
=== 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. InTo 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]]. InTo the North-West, Alethkar borders [[Herdaz]] across a stretch of land decided through a fewmany years of border warsconflicts.{{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}}<sup>2</sup>
 
=== Interior ===
 
=== 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 ===
 
== History ==
=== Creation ===
The land that would become known as Alethkar was created at an unknown point before the [[Shattering]] by Adonalsium, 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 settlingconquering allthe acrossrest 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 comescame.{{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 territorialterritory 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 primitiveearly 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.
 
==== 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}}
==== The True Desolation ====
 
The Last Desolation was a large scale Desolation which occured around 4500 years before the arrival of the [[True Desolation]]. 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}}
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 the 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 occurredpossible 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.
==== The War of Loss (c.{{rosharan date|673}})====
{{for|War of Loss}}
ThisThe 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]]. FollowingMany hiscities successfulwere reunificationsacked ofand destroyed during this Alethelawar underand the namechaos of Alethkarits aftermath, hewith setKholinar hisbeing eyesone uponof the restfew ofeastern cities to remain Rosharunharmed.{{book ref|obsa2|212}}
 
Many cities were sacked and destroyed in this war and the chaos of its aftermath, with Kholinar being one of the few eastern cities to survive.{{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}}
 
==== 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 Azishoccupied 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 conquererconqueror 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}})===
 
==== 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}})====
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 couldwould continue for decades afterward.{{book ref|sa3|26}}
 
==== Alethi-Herdazian Border Conflict ({{rosharan date|1150}} - {{rosharan date|1154}}) ====
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}}
 
One of the battles during this conflict happened at a place called Slickrock. [[Battle of Slickrock|This battle]] saw the Vedens, commanded by [[Brightlord]] [[Nalanar]], and the Alethi, commanded by Dalinar Kholin, fighting. This battle ended in an Alethi victory, although the Vedens almost defeated them during at least three points in the battle.{{book ref|sa3|100}}
 
==== Burning of Rathalas ({{rosharan date|1163}}) ====
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, itTanalan soon camerevealed outto 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.
{{for|Wastescum skirmishes}}
 
A collection of skirmishes in the northern sectionPrincedoms 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 attemptingattempted to takeraid AlethkarAlethi territories as late as {{rosharan date|1173|8}}.{{book ref|sa1|18}}
 
=== Early Interactions with the Parshendi ({{rosharan date|1166}} - {{rosharan date|1167}}) ===
 
==== 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, butwell sheinto ultimatelythe couldn'tTrue handleDesolation, itAesudan andfailed to control Yelig-nar, itwhich 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 SadaesSadeas 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 SadaesSadeas' betrayal.{{book ref|sa1|69}}
<!---
==== Attempted Assassination of Dalinar ({{Rosharan date|1173|10|2|5}}) ====
 
=== 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 very 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}}
 
=== 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 practice a sort of throat-singing.{{wob ref|14654}}
 
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}}
<!---
=== Clothing ===
Alethi fashion varies greatly between the lighteyes and darkeyes, enforced by the division between the castes.
 
It is common for music to be played at lighteyed feasts.{{book ref|sa1|22}}{{book ref|sa3|19}}{{book ref|sa4|prologue}}
As of {{rosharan date|1173}}, Alethkar was going through a trend of bright colors and ornate frills.{{cite}}
 
=== Fashion ===
[[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|sa3|49}}
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}}
 
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}} This changed by {{rosharan date|1173}}, with lighteyed men coming to favour bright colours.{{book ref|sa1|58}}
==== Feminine Fashion ====
 
{{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}}
 
Their havahHavah 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 rather 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 dividedsubdivided 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}}
 
=== 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}}
 
{{for|Vorinism}}
 
Alethkar is one of the five great [[Vorin]] Kingdoms, with the 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}}
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 into stone, 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 ==
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 kingmonarch 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, expresseshas expressed an interest in disbanding the monarchy after the True Desolation is over.{{book ref|sa4|50}}
 
==== Rules of Succession ====
 
==== The King's Wit ====
The King's Wit (known as the Queen's Wit during the rule of Jasnaha Kholinqueen) 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}}
 
==== 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.{{citebook 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 lordhighlord, or to their local Highprince.{{book ref|sa3|116}}{{wob ref|13449}}
 
Citylords have legal authority over those on their manor, and are allowed to impresspress 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 ====
* [[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 ===
It is unclear which princedom the settlements of [[Talinar]] or [[Inkwell (town)|Inkwell]] are under the jurisdiction of.{{book ref|sa3|48}}{{book ref|sa4|91}}
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}}
<!--
=== Economy ===
As with many other nations on Roshar, their economy was based upon [[Spheres|glass spheres with cut polestones in their center]].
 
Akanny in the Sadeas Princedom served as a major source of agriculture throughout Alethkar.{{book ref|sa3|10}}
 
Taxation is levied upon darkeyes and landless lighteyes over rights to live on the territory of wealthier lighteyes.{{cite}} Highprinces themselves are taxed by the king for the right to use soulcasters, which were an important resource in waging prolonged, large-scale conflicts.{{book ref|sa1|15}}
 
-->
=== 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}} TheDue to their history, the Herdazian government iswas 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 Keved 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 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}}
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 ===
{| class="infobox side" style="width: 22em; float:right; font-size: 88%;"
!colspan='3' style="text-align:center; background:#cce" |'''Chain of command'''
|colspan='3' | <small>In companies made solely of lighteyes, the rank "lieutenant" is used as the equivalent of sergeant.</small>
|}
 
The modern Alethi army is one of the strongest military forces on Roshar with well over 100,000 troops{{book ref|sa1|6}} and over thirty [[Shardbearer]]s.{{book ref|sa2|5}} The army employs most of its troops as spearmen and archers, as well as a very small amount of cavalry due to the rarity of horses on Roshar;{{book ref|sa1|6}} only the officers wield swords because, according to Vorin traditions, the sword is regarded as a lighteyed's weapon.{{book ref|sa1|prologue}} Soldiers are usually trained in one or two additional Skills, i.e. horse grooms.{{book ref|twok|28}} Under most circumstances, military service is voluntary, though the leaders of the army has the right of conscription for darkeyes that do not provide an essential function to a community (e.g. a town's only surgeon) when they feel there is need for additional troops.{{book ref|sa1|44}} It is extremely rare for a darkeyed soldier to rise higher than the rank of squadleader.{{book ref|sa1|47}} Lighteyed officers that have the command of a branch of the army are usually referred by their duties (e.g. cavalrylord, infantrylord).{{book ref|sa1|26}}
The modern Alethi military is one of the strongest armed forces on Roshar with well over 100,000 troops{{book ref|sa1|6}} and over thirty [[Shardbearer]]s.{{book ref|sa2|5}} The army employs most of its troops as spearmen and archers, as well as a very small amount of cavalry due to the rarity of horses on Roshar;{{book ref|sa1|6}} only the officers wield swords because, according to Vorin traditions, the sword is regarded as a lighteyed's weapon.{{book ref|sa1|prologue}} Soldiers are usually trained in one or two additional Skills, i.e. horse grooms.{{book ref|twok|28}} Under most circumstances, military service is voluntary, though the leaders of the army has the right of conscription for darkeyes that do not provide an essential function to a community (e.g. a town's only surgeon) when they feel there is need for additional troops.{{book ref|sa1|44}} It is extremely rare for a darkeyed soldier to rise higher than the rank of squadleader.{{book ref|sa1|47}} Lighteyed officers that have the command of a branch of the army are usually referred by their duties (e.g. cavalrylord, infantrylord).{{book ref|sa1|26}}
 
Despite Alethkar being a monarchy, the king has very little actual say in how the military is run and does not directly command any force other than the 250-strong King's Guard. The troops are sworn to and led by their individual highprinces.{{book ref|sa2|5}} In that sense, Alethkar army is not truly a unified army, but a loose coalition between ten smaller armies. Indeed, even in wartime, there is constant in-fighting between the highprinces' armies,{{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}}
The Alethi military is currently one of the major military forces fighting against the Fused Invasion, most notably during the [[Battle of Thaylen Field]] and the Emuli Campaign.{{book ref|sa3|115}}{{book ref|sa4|19}}{{book ref|sa4|112}} Although many more battles and skirmishes were fought between the two armies between {{rosharan date|1173}} and {{rosharan date|1175}}.{{cite}} They also led the Evacuation of Hearthstone in early {{rosharan date|1175}}.{{book ref|sa4|1}} They are currently centered around and stationed in Urithiru.{{book ref|sa4|116}}
 
==== ArmamentsUniforms ====
Higher ranking 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}}
Darkeyed soldiers are primarily trained in spears and axes,{{book ref|sa1|26}} with swords being used only by higher-ranking lighteyes.{{book ref|sa1|prologue}}
 
FootExact soldiersuniform werevaries typicallybetween armoredarmies, withusually steelcoloured breastplates,to whilesignify archersthe werebanner clothedthey withfight leather vestsunder.{{book ref|sa1|2746}}{{book Wealthierref|sa1|58}}{{book lighteyedref|sa3|116}} soldiersSome wearmen farchoose finerto suitsfurther ofpersonalize armor,their indicativeuniforms ofwith theirembrodiery or colourful statusscarfs.{{book ref|sa1sa2|2744}} ArmorUniforms isare oftenalways markedworn with aan rankundershirt insignia that indicatedalongside the dahnuniform and military position that a person is a part ofitself.{{book ref|sa1sa3|2759}}
 
==== WagesArmaments ====
Darkeyed soldiers are primarily trained in spears and axes,{{book ref|sa1|26}} with swords being used only by higher-ranking lighteyes.{{book ref|sa1|prologue}} Axes, however, are a nonstandard weapon usually only given to squadleaders and above.{{book ref|sa1|47}} Some soldiers use halberds, although how common they are is unclear.{{book ref|sa4|77}}
The average darkeyed soldier is payed five clearmarks a day.{{book ref|sa1|27}}
 
Foot soldiers were typically armored with steel breastplates, while archers were clothed with leather vests.{{book ref|sa1|27}} Ordinary foot soldiers have minimal armor, typically not wearing arm or leg guards.{{book ref|sa1|27}} Darkeyes in the armies of Brightlords tend to be dressed in leather armor.{{book ref|sa4|108}} Wealthier lighteyed soldiers wear far finer suits of armor, indicative of their status.{{book ref|sa1|27}} Armor is often marked with a rank insignia that indicated the dahn and military position that a person is a part of.{{book ref|sa1|27}}
==== Shards ====
 
The Kholinar Wall Guard wears steel breastplates and helms.{{book ref|sa3|82}}
 
=== Wages ===
Wages are based upon ones military rank and caste.{{book ref|sa3|2}} The average darkeyed soldier is payed five clearmarks a day.{{book ref|sa1|27}} Military slaves are paid less than half that of a darkeyed soldier, around one clearmark a day.{{book ref|sa1|27}}{{book ref|sa1|4}}
 
=== Shards ===
According to official records, Alethkar possesses more [[Shardblade]]s than any other nation on Roshar, with only [[Jah Keved]] coming anywhere close.{{book ref|sa1|23}} These Shards are used effectively in combat to overwhelm non-Shardbearer armies.{{book ref|sa1|26}}
 
During the War of Reckoning, their Shardblades were used in order to cut through chasmfiend chrysalises in order to harvest gemhearts.{{book ref|sa1|12}}
 
==== Knights Radiant ====
AFollowing the start of the True Desolation, a notably large amount of their army is made up of [[Knights Radiant]], primarily those of the [[Order of Windrunners]] and the [[Order of Edgedancers]], with a smaller but still notable number in the [[Order of Lightweavers]].{{book ref|sa4|3}}{{book ref|sa4|20}} They are used effectively as a means of transport and combat against the Fused and [[Regal]]s.{{book ref|sa4|9}}{{cite}}
{{image|Sadeas bridges.jpg|side=right|width=300px}}
<!--
==== Uniform ====
*Cover the uniforms worn by different Alethi armies, and by figures of different ranks and positions in the military.
-->
 
==== Bridge Crews ====
{{for|Bridge crew}}
 
Bridge Crews were a very important part of the army 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.{{citebook 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 typically 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 preformperform 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 notably refusing to make direct use of them. He instead makes use of 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}}
* SA1-27
----->
 
== 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}}
Nightstar The Bright
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