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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,
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}}
== Etymology ==
=== 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. In 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]]. In North-West, Alethkar borders [[Herdaz]] across a stretch of land decided through
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 ===
=== 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 ==
=== 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}} After an uncertain period of time after human arrival and settlement in present-day Shinovar, they headed an invasion, slaughtering them and expelling them from their land; claiming it as their own.{{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
Its
Due to the Desolations, they were constantly returned back to primitive 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|13779}}
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}}) ===
{{for|Battle of the Tower}}
On {{Rosharan date|1173|9|6|4}}, Highprince
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
<!---
==== Attempted Assassination of Dalinar ({{Rosharan date|1173|10|2|5}}) ====
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}}
They make use of meat in several dishes, particularly using pork harvested from hogs.{{book ref|sa1|37}}{{book ref|sa3|19}}{{book ref|sa3|13}}
Alethi food is known for its
Stagm and other tubers are another common part of their diet.{{book ref|sa1|54}}
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}}
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}}
== Politics ==
}}
===
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}}
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}}▼
They retained political recognition by other states despite their exile.{{cite}}
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.▼
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 is central to the economy of Alethkar, used to feed mobile armies and augment local urban food stores.{{book ref|sa3|part=ars}}▼
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 higlord 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}}▼
The aquisition of Oathgates after the Battle of Narak greatly assisted in trade across the continent.{{book ref|sa3|96}}▼
Through trade treaties, they are able to trade with Jah Kaved 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}}▼
=== Foreign Policy and International Relationships ===
==== 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 ====
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 which eventually led to the formation of a treaty between the two peoples in {{Rosharan date|1167|10|missing-date=y}}.{{book ref|sa1|6}}{{book ref|sa1|prologue}} However this peace broke down once King Gavilar Kholin was assassinated under Listener orders, leading to the enactment of the Vengence Pact and the beginning of the War of Reckoning against the Listener people.{{cite}} 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 ====
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]].{{cite}}
====
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 ==
{| class="infobox side" style="width: 22em; float:right; font-size: 88%;"
!colspan='3' style="text-align:center; background:#cce" |'''Chain of command'''
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}}
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}}
Exact uniform varies between armies, usually coloured to signify the banner they fight under.{{book ref|sa1|46}}{{book ref|sa1|58}}{{book ref|sa3|116}} Some men choose to further personalize their uniforms with embrodiery or colourful scarfs.{{book ref|sa2|44}} Uniforms are always worn with an undershirt alongside the uniform itself.{{book ref|sa3|59}}
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}}
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}}
The Kholinar Wall Guard wears steel breastplates and helms.{{book ref|sa3|82}}
▲==== Wages ====
=== 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}}
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}}
Following 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}}
{{for|Bridge crew}}
* 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
=== Foreign Trade ===
▲Through trade treaties, they are able to trade with Jah Kaved 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 ==
| |||