Hearthstone
| Hearthstone | |
|---|---|
| Princedom | Sadeas princedom |
| Nation | Alethkar |
| World | Roshar |
Hearthstone is a large but remote town[1] near the eastern boarder of the Sadeas princedom in Alethkar.[2] The northern section of Sadeas princedom, including Hearthstone, is overseen by Highmarshal Meridas Amaram prior to his departure to the Shattered Plains.[1]
It is the home of Kaladin's family.[1]
Geography
It is located behind a hill to protect it from highstorms. A large hole had been cut in the rock at the center of the town to catch rainwater from highstorms.[3] The buildings in the town are wedge and built in rows.[4] Their eastern side is sloped due to the Highstorms.[4] Windows are rarely found on the northern or southern sides of buildings, but are often built on the sheltered western side.[4]
Hearthstone is a farming town and the surrounding hillsides are covered with lavis polyps.[4] The farmers of Hearthstone are always wary of the worms that can infest their crops. During worming season, the fields of lavis are checked multiple times, a process that takes weeks to complete.[4] The area also contains thickets of snarlbush and stout markel trees.
Most of the dark eyed inhabitants of the town are of the fourth or fifth nahn.[4] Kaladin’s family is the exception, being the only darkeyed family of a higher rank. They are of the second nahn.[4]
History
Until approximately 1165 Brightlord Wistiow was Hearthstone's citylord.[4] After he dies the new citylord, Roshone, arrives from Kholinar to Hearthstone. He brings his son Rillir with him and plans to marry him with Wistiow's daughter Laral for the purpose of an alliance between Roshone and a good house.[3] Roshone and his son go on a whitespine hunt and both of them are wounded badly. Rillir doesn't survive.[5]
Eventually Brightlord Amaram's army passes through Hearthstone (approximately 1167) on a recruitment drive for his armies. When not enough of Hearthstone's men volunteer, Roshone forcibly conscripts other eligible citizens. While Lirin and Kaladin are safe from this duty (because they are a surgeon and his apprentice and thus vital to the town) Roshone chooses Tien to spite Lirin, which leads to Kaladin also volunteering.[6]
Politics
Brightlord Wistiow is the lord of the town until his untimely death.[4] Brightlord Roshone is relocated to Hearthstone to to take over at citylord after Wistow’s passing.
Military
Armies occasionally pass through Hearthstone looking for new recruits. The permission of the citylord must first be given before any of the townsfolk and depart with the army.[4] The citylord can also allow for the impressment of their citizens into passing armies.[citation needed]