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|books=[[The Stormlight Archive]]
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'''Kharbranth''', City of Bells, is an independent city-state on [[Roshar]], ruled by the King [[Taravangian]]. It is one of the five [[Vorin]] nations and home to the [[Palanaeum]], the largest library on Roshar. Kharbranth is
== Geography
Kharbranth is located on the western coast of the [[Frostlands]], within a natural harbor that opens onto the [[Tarat Sea]].{{map ref|Roshar}} One of the most protected cities on Roshar, Kharbranth has a southernly orientation and is naturally protected on both its eastern and western fronts.{{book ref|sa3|58}} The honorspren capital, ''[[Unyielding Fidelity]]'', is situated close to Kharbranth within the [[Cognitive Realm]].{{book ref|sa1|3}}{{book ref|sa3|108}}
Residing within a natural wedge shaped lait that opens onto the sea, Kharbranth is built on unbroken stone and extends down the side of and into the surrounding mountain. It is believed by some in the [[ardentia]] that Kharbranth was built upon a cymatic pattern, however, it is currently unknown as to whether this claim is true.{{book ref|sa1|45}} While the city itself is well protected from the [[Highstorm]], the mountain shielding it from the east bears the full force of the storm, leading to occasional cave-in's within the [[Conclave]] and rockslides on the stormside of the mountain.{{book ref|sa1|5}}
Famous for its crowds, the streets of Kharbranth are often packed during both the day and at night.{{book ref|Sa1|36}}{{book ref|Sa1|71}} The Ralinsa, the main thoroughfare made up of a series of switchbacks, connects the port and docks with the Conclave at the top of the mountain.{{book ref|s1|3}}{{book ref|Sa1|36}} The steepness of the pathways makes it difficult to use [[chull]] pulled carts to transport goods, and instead merchants will hire workers to carry their products through the city.{{book ref|sa1|71}} Rickshaws and palanquins are available to hire for transport throughout the city.{{book ref|sa1|3}}{{book ref|sa3|21}}
Buildings are constructed from either [[crem]], daub, mud, or a combination of all three, blocky in nature, and either built on top of, or carved out of, the mountain.{{book ref|sa1|3}} Each structure is painted vibrant colors, with each color symbolising the function of the building.{{book ref|sa1|3}} Most buildings are either red or orange with fewer being painted blue or yellow.{{book ref|sa1|3}} Violet colored buildings signify tailors or cloth merchants, while food can be purchased in green buildings.{{book ref|sa1|3
=== The Conclave ===
{/{for|Conclave}}
The [[Conclave]] can be located at the top of the city and is built down into the surrounding mountain. The Conclave serves as both an official building and a residential abode, with a section of the building serving as the kings palace, and another as a residential wing for guests. The Palanaeum can be located within the Conclave. Additionally, deep within the Conclave is a secret hospital run by Taravangian and the Diagram. Terminally ill patients, as well as the extremely poor, are taken to this hospital to be killed, in the hopes that as they will deliver a [[Death Rattle]] as they die.{{book ref|sa1|71}}{{book ref|sa1|3}}{{book ref|sa1|5}}
{/{for|Palanaeum}}
The [[Palanaeum]] is the largest known library on Roshar and contains over seven hundred thousand texts. Entrance to the Palanaeum is expensive, with the funds collected being used to finance Kharbranth's hospitals. The Palanaeum also doubles as Kharbranth's royal treasury and houses the city's store of emeralds.{{book ref|sa1|33}}{{book ref|sa1|7}}
Kharbranth's medical practices are well known throughout eastern Roshar, and at least parts of western Roshar, with the city's colors and banner being synonymous with surgeons and the idea of healing.{{book ref|sa2|i14}} This reputation is well earned, with Kharbranthian surgeons providing unprompted aid following the [[Battle of Vedenar]]
Kharbranth is famous for both the number and quality of its hospitals, with medical care being available for both physical and psychological illnesses.{{book ref|sa1|16}}{{book ref|sa1|52}} Any who require assistance will be treated, regardless of eye color, social ranking, or nationality.{{book ref|sa1|48}} Taravangian is a frequent visitor to the hospitals and is warmly welcomed by patients during their stay. During his visits, he will stop and speak with each patient individually, checking in on their care and wellbeing.{{book ref|sa1|48}}
Private patient rooms, along with larger wards, can be found in some, if not all, of Kharbranth's hospitals.{{book ref|sa1|48}}{{book ref|sa1|50}} The wards are segregated by gender and resemble large hallways.{{book ref|sa1|48}} Partitions can be set up around each bed to provide privacy for each patient.{{book ref|sa1|48}} The hospital that Shallan is initially admitted to after
The [[Great Concourse of Kharbranth]] is a training school for surgeons and healers, which offers the best medical training available. Tuition to the Concourse is expensive and there are strict and rigorous entrance exams, which can be taken by those over the age of sixteen.{{book ref|sa1|16}}
Little is known about the function of the School of Storms at the present time. Scholars at the School of Storms have legacy access to the Palanaeum. Taravangian's granddaughter, [[Gvori]], is a current student at the school.{{book ref|sa3|122}}
== History ==
=== Origins and Early History ===
Kharbranth was formerly a pirate town in its early years, before becoming a real city over the course of decades. It is rumored to be older than the [[Last Desolation]], with at least one source claiming that it was built during the [[shadowdays]]. During the time of the [[Silver Kingdoms]], the area in which Kharbranth is situated would have been considered part of Thalath. Kharbranth has been a [[Vorin]] nation since at least the [[Hierocracy]], and maintained a strong alliance with many of the other Vorin nations following the [[War of Loss]].{{annotation ref|sa1|chapter=3}}{{book ref|sa1|3}}{{map ref|Silver Kingdoms}}{{book ref|Sa1|8}}
The two chambers that make up the [[Palanaeum]] predate the founding of the city, with the rooms that house the Palanaeum's collection of manuscripts, books, and tomes having been added after people settled in the region. How the caverns were created is unknown, however, some believe that it was the work of the [[dawnsingers]]. At some point between the creation of the Palanaeum and present day, a fire occurred that destroyed parts of the library's collection.{{book ref|sa1|7}}{{book ref|sa1|45}}{{epigraph ref|sa1|46}}
=== The Diagram and Death Rattles ===
/Speculation
On the night of his death, [[Gavilar Kholin]] confided in Taravangian about the visions he had received regarding the [[True Desolation]]. Believing the visions had come from the [[Almighty]], Gavilar insisted to Taravangian that for the world to survive the True Desolation, it would have to be united. Taking the kings warning to heart, Taravangian travelled to The Valley to visit the [[Nightwatcher]] and beg her for the ability to save Roshar. The Nightwatcher bestowed Kharbranth's king with a boon and a curse; the boon being extreme intelligence and compassion. The curse, constant fluctuation of these traits and the inability to have both at the same time.{{book ref|sa2|i|14}}{{book ref|sa3|122}}
At some point following his visit to the Nightwatcher, Taravangian experienced a day of extreme intelligence, where he transcribed a large number of predictions on the available surfaces in his bedroom. These writings were bound together into a tome referred to as the [[Diagram (literature)|Diagram}}. A {{Diagram (group)|society by the same name}} worships the Diagram, however, it is currently unknown this society existed before the creation of the Diagram, or whether it was formed in response to Taravangian's creation.{{book ref|sa2|i|14}}
Following its creation, the Diagram began supplementing Taravangian's predictions with the [[Death Rattles]] provided by the Unmade [[Moelach]]. Moelach took up residence in Kharbranth in the year 1167, approximately around the time Gavilar began investigating the [[Shattered Plains]].
The ''[[Diagram (group)#Silent_Gatherers|Silent Gatherers]]'' were tasked with administrating and running the hospital where the Death Rattles were collected, however, the creation of this hospital, as well as the details surrounding the formation of this group, are currently unknown. It is also unknown when this operation began, and whether Death Rattles were collected prior to Taravangian's creation of the Diagram. Frequency in the number of Death Rattles begins to decline in late 1173 before ceasing completely in 1174 after Moelach moved westward and settled in the [[Horneater Peaks]]. Why the Unmade decided to leave Kharbranth is unknown, however, Taravangian postulated that it may have been drawn away by something residing to the west of the city, circling back around eventually to take up occupation within the boarders of Jah Keved.
=== Expansion of Kharbranth's Alliances ===
During {{Rosharan date|1173}}, Taravangian acquired [[Szeth]]'s oathstone and tasked him with murdering a large number of high ranking officials in several foreign nations. These murders, dictated by the Diagram
By using Szeth to causing mayhem and destruction across Roshar, Taravangian was able to further the goals of the Diagram and created a situation where he could take control of the [[Veden]] empire without creating suspicion. Towards the end of the [[Veden Cival War]], Taravangian sent food, medical supplies, and healers to the country to help the wounded on all sides of the fighting. In doing so, he secured a new ally for Kharbranth with whichever side was victorious. In the case that the country fell to ruin, Taravangian, through a distance connection to Veden royalty, could engineer a situation that would end with the king of Kharbranth on the Veden throne. When the war ended later that year, Taravangian was named as king by the previous monarch, [[Valam]], shortly before he died, securing Jah Keved as an ally for Kharbranth.{{book ref|sa2|i|14}}
Taravangian entered both Jah Keved and Kharbranth into an alliance with [[Alethkar]] in {{Rosharan date|1174}}, after Dalinar Kholin contacted the leaders of Roshar's nations seeking aid in the fight against the [[Voidbringers]]. Taravangian was the only leader to initially respond to Dalinar's request. The council of Kharbranth were suspicious of Dalinar's initial request, as well as his intentions with refounding the [[Knights Radiant]]. Mistrust of Dalinar increased amongst the council members after Dalinar pronounced the death of Honor, which those within the [[Vorin]] Church conflate with the Almighty.
Entering into an alliance with Dalinar, allowed Taravangian and the Diagram access to [[Urithiru]] and the inner workings of the Alethi government. Unimpeded from joining political assemblies with other foreign nations, or scholarly meetings, the Kharbranthian cohort were able to gather intelligence on the coalition, and several other nations of Roshar, and their research into Urithiru, the Voidbringers, as well as other matters. As part of the coalition, Taravangian was able to manipulate other world leaders, as well as spread misinformation that threatened the breakdown of the alliance, with the hope that Dalinar Kholin would fail, leaving Alethkar open to be secured under Taravangian's rule.{{book ref|sa3|24}}{{book ref|sa3|44}}{{book ref|sa3|107}}{{book ref|sa3|122}}
In an attempt to gain favor with Odium, Taravangian interfered with the redeployment of troops from Urithiru to Thaylenah during the Battle of Thaylen City by having a member of the Diagram, Malata, unlock the Kholinar Oathgate in secret, allowing Odium's forces to invade the ancient city. Following the battle, Odium met with Taravangian during the Everstorm agreeing to spare Kharbranth and its citizens during the imminent war in exchange for the Diagram's loyalty.{{book ref|sa3|122}}
===
During the year {{Rosharan date|1173}}, [[Jasnah Kholin]] travelled to Kharbranth to access to the [[Conclave]] and the [[Palanaeum]], in order to continue her research into the Voidbringers and Urithiru. [[Shallan Davar]], who had been attempting to contact the Alethi princess for six months, arrived in Kharbranth part way through the year, relieved to find that she had finally caught up to Jasnah. Locating the woman in the Conclave, Shallan petitioned Jasnah to become her ward and, eventually, was accepted. Despite Shallan's enjoyment of scholarship, her primary purpose for seeking out Jasnah, was to switch the broken Davar Soulcaster, with Jasnah's functional one.{{book ref|sa1|3}}{{book ref|sa1|5}}
Shallan's arrival at the Conclave coincided with Jasnah helping Taravangian rescue his granddaughter, who had become trapped in an inner room of the palace following a cave-in. The situation had been deliberately planned by the Kharbranthian king, who wished to view the Alethi princess use her [[Soulcasting]] abilities when removing the fallen stone blocking the rooms entrance. Taravangian had suspected Jasnah did not need a physical Soulcaster to be able to use Soulcasting as an ability and to test this theory, engineered a scenario where he would be able to watch the Alethi princess wield her power. Jasnah Soulcast the rock into smoke, masking her abilities with the fake Soulcaster she wore on her right hand. In return for freeing his granddaughter, Taravangian granted Jasnah access to the Palanaeum, which she had been unable to access until this point.{{book ref|sa1|3}}{{book ref|sa1|5}}{{wob ref|8070}}{{wob ref|3242}}
Out late one night in the city, Shallan and Jasnah were attacked by a group of criminals while in an alley near the theatre district. Jasnah had deliberately taken them to a specific street where the criminals had been attacking, robbing, and killing people. She had planned to dispatch of the men as a service to Taravangian who she felt had put himself in a more precarious position than he realised when he allied with her and allowed her access to the Palanaeum. Jasnah killed the four men during the encounter, turning them into a variety of other substances using Soulcasting, and in doing so, saving both her own, and Shallan's life. Shallan, angry at Jasnah for the situation she had deliberately put them in, switched her broken Soulcaster, with Jasnah's device shortly after the pair returned to the Conclave.{{book ref|sa1|36}}
As the months passed, Shallan began to grow more and more aware of [[Pattern]] and the other Cryptics who watched her from the [[Cognitive Realm]]. Several times, Shallan unconsciously included them in portraits she created, first while sketching king Taravangian, and later in a sketch of herself and the ardent [[Kabsal]]. She also began hearing the Cryptics whispers, convincing herself that she was mishearing sounds made by the Conclave staff as they worked. Eventually Shallan was unable to ignore the spren, leading her to accidentally Soulcasting a goblet into blood. To hide what she had done, Shallan cut open her arm, pretending that the blood was hers and was taken to one of the city's many hospitals. {{book ref|sa1|29}}{{book ref|sa1|42}}{{book ref|sa1|45}}
Jasnah eventually forgave Shallan for the theft and agreed to take her back on as her ward. Deciding that she had found all the information she could within the Palanaeum, Jasnah, along with Shallan, left Kharbranth for the Shattered Plains in 1173 upon the ship, ''[[Winds Pleasure]]''.{{book ref|sa1|70}}{{book ref|sa2|1}}
=== Tales of Surgeons ===
As a youth, [[Lirin]] travelled to Kharbranth as a courier, where he was introduced to different cultures and societies. Later in his life, Lirin studied medicine under [[Vathe]], who had been trained as a surgeon at the [[Great Concourse of Kharbranth]].{{book ref|sa1|10}}{{book ref|sa1|17}}
Lirin desired to send his son Kaladin to Kharbranth to train as a surgeon at the Great Concourse of Kharbranth when he turned sixteen. Lirin and his wife Hesina stole a large number of spheres from the deceased citylord of Hearthstone, claiming to have been given them by Brightlord Wistiow on his deathbed, in order to fund Kaladin's study in Kharbranth. After the arrival of Roshone in Hearthstone, Lirin and Hesina wrote to the surgeons in Kharbranth with a plea to let their son take the entry tests early, however, their request was denied. Lirin considered escaping Hearthstone and taking his family to Kharbranth after Roshone cut off all their means of income, however, decided instead to stay and continue to oppose the Brightlord.{{book ref|sa1|37}}{{book ref|sa1|25}}{{book ref|sa1|10}}{{book ref|sa1|17}}{{book ref|sa1|31))
=== After the Battle of Thaylen Field ===
After receiving news that the Bridge Four members who had been left in Kholinar might still be alive, Kaladin flew towards Alethkar, stopping to stay the night in Kharbranth. Before moving on from the city, he requisitioned a number of infused gemstones from the Kharbranthian royal treasury to aid him on his travels.{{book ref|Sa3|122}}
== Culture ==
Kharbranth is a multicultural city that does not limit or restrict entrance to the city or its surrounding waters based on nationality or status.{{book ref|sa1|3}} As such, people from all walks of life and the many nations of Roshar can be found throughout the city.{{book ref|sa1|3}}
Dine-in restaurants are commonly found in Kharbranth.{{book ref|sa2|24}} Soup is the preferred lunch option.{{book ref|sa1|29}}
=== Religion ===
Kharbranth is one of the five [[Vorin]] nations.{{book ref|sa1|8}} The [[ardentia]] in Kharbranth holds a degree of influence within the city and is remains in contact with the other Vorin leaders in the eastern Rosharan nations.{{book ref|sa1|5}}{{book ref|sa3|50}} Ardents, along side their religious duties, manage and staff the [[Palanaeum]].{{book ref|sa1|45}}{{book ref|sa1|33}} Not all Devotaries can be found in Kharbranth, with the city currently containing no ardents from the Devotary of Sincerity.{{book ref|sa1|48}} The Kharbranthian ardentia do not own any [[Soulcasters]]{{book ref|sa1|42}} and Taravangian keeps careful track, and is familiar, with his ardents.{{book ref|sa1|42}}
Like other Vorin nations, Kharbranth's social structure is based in [[eye coloring[[, with lighteyes considered the upper class, while darkeyes the lower, or working class. Each class is further split into a ten rank system; dahn for lighteyes and nahn for darkeyes. Each rank reflects different amounts of power and influence within the Vorin system, with those of the first or second rank holding more privilege than those of lesser ranks. The Kharbranth king would be considered of equal status to that of first dahn, however, traditionally does not claim this rank.{{wob ref|4006}} Unlike other Vorin nations such as [[Alethkar]], however, Kharbranth does not allow for human slaves.{{book ref|sa1|63}} The city does, however, still utilise parshmen for free labor.{{book ref|sa1|3}}
The ardents hold a lot of sway in the city but so does Taravangian. He is not worried about them when he enlists [[Jasnah]] to help soulcast a rock and save his granddaughter.{{book ref|sa1|5}}
=== Language ===
The Kharbranthian language is very similar to Alethi and [[Veden]], with all three being considered similar dialects of the same language. Differences between the three languages come largely from variations in pronunciation, instead of variances in the language's vocabulary.{{wob ref|7125}}
=== Economy ===
To be added
== Politics ==
The smallest of the five [[Vorin]] nations, Kharbranth is an independent city-state governed by King [[Taravangian]] who also rules over [[Jah Keved]].
===
The highest seat of government in Kharbranth is the position of the king, currently held by Taravangian
Taravangian is a popular king, beloved by the common darkeyed citizen of Kharbranth for the time and effort he invests in the city's hospitals.{{book ref|sa1|29}} Doing so, however, allows greater political freedom which the elite gladly capitalise on.{{book ref|sa1|48}} Despite this, those in the royal court are known to complain about the amount of time Taravangian spends at the hospitals in the city, believing he places too much priority on the institutions.{{book ref|sa1|48}} In general, lighteyed residents of Kharbranth find the king to be dull and his political capabilities to be lacking.{{book ref|sa1|29}}
Although the king of Kharbranth would be considered equal to first [[dahn]] under the Vorin class system, they do not traditionally claim the rank, due to Kharbranth's city-state status.{{wob ref|4006}} King Taravangian is known to show deference to foreign nationals, which likely furthers the upper class' poor opinion of his political competency.{{book ref|sa1|5}} Additionally, by welcoming [[Jasnah Kholin]] to Kharbranth and allowing her access to the [[Palanaeum]], Taravangian may have strained relations between himself and the [[Vorin]] leaders in Kharbranth.{{book ref|sa1|5}}
Taravangian's intelligence and compassion fluctuate on a daily basis and he must be tested each morning to determine how much control he has over policy and how much he can interact with the politicians and citizens of Kharbranth. Initially, his political power was to be limited only on days of extreme unintelligence, however, after proposing, and attempting to implement, a eugenics program in Kharbranth on a day of high intelligence, it was decided that his ability to affect policy be restricted for both extremes.{{book ref|sa2|i|14}} Additionally, Taravangian's ability to interact with others is restricted on days of both low and high intelligence, as he has previously attempted to reveal his condition to the general public.{{book ref|sa2|i|14}}
Kharbranth, while generally considered a safe city,{{book ref|sa1|3}} has previously had issues surrounding violent crime, which have not been adequately policed.{{book ref|sa1|36}} It is suspected by some that the city watch has deliberately avoided taking action against violent criminals in the past due to corruption and influence from politicians.{{book ref|sa1|36}} While Taravangian has issued several reprimands to the city watch, behaviours have not improved greatly, leading to some visitors to the city, such as Jasnah Kholin, to take matters into their own hands.{{book ref|sa1|36}}
=== Military ===
Kharbranth has only a small standing army so as to not effect its image of being unassuming and unthreatening.{{book ref|sa2|i|14}} It is known that Kharbranth does not wage war and has previously offered foreign aid to both sides of the same conflict.{{book ref|sa2|i|14}}{{book ref|Sa3|24}} The city-state does not have a true navy, however, has a number of merchant ships that can be commandeered in times of need.{{book ref|sa3|107}}
=== Foreign Relations ===
In the past, Kharbranth has had strong alliances with other Vorin nations, due to their shared religion.{{book ref|sa1|8}}
Currently Kharbranth is allied with both the [[Dalinar Kholin]]'s alliance, which includes [[Alethkar]], [[Jah Keved]], [[Thaylenah]], and [[Azir]], as well as [[Odium]]'s forces. In exchange for loyalty from the [[Diagram]], Odium has agreed to spare Kharbranth, its citizens and their spouses, in his war against [[Roshar]].{{book ref|sa3|122}}
It is rumored, throughout foreign nations, that [[Taravangian]] is a figurehead only for the city of Kharbranth and instead the true power behind the throng is Taravangian's head scribe [[Adrotagia]], or another scribe.{{book ref|sa3|24}} One of Taravangian's scribes manages Taravangian's duties as king, while he, and his closest advisors, are away from Kharbranth as part of Dalinar Kholin's coalition.{{book ref|sa3|24}}
=== The Diagram ===
{/{for|The Diagram|Diagram_(group)}}
The [[Diagram (group)|Diagram]] is a secret society on [[Roshar]] that is headed by Taravangian and based around a book of predictions, that goes by the same name. The [[Diagram (literature)|Diagram}} (literature) is a recollection of writings by Taravangian that was created on a day of extreme intelligence. These predictions, initially written over many surfaces within the kings bedroom, have been transcribed as written and form the basis of the secret society.{{book ref|sa2|i|14}} There are multiple sects within the society which have different interpretations of the Diagram.{{wob ref|4968}} The society heavily influences the governing of Kharbranth, dictating the size of the city-states military as well as how Kharbranth should present itself to foreign nations.{{book ref|sa2|i|14}}
Members of the Diagram known as the ''Silent Gatherers'', staff and manage the secret hospital hidden within the Conclave, where patients and citizens are brought to be killed and the Death Rattles collected.{{book ref|sa1|71}} This operation is overseen by the ardent, Dova, during times that Taravangian is away from the city.{{book ref|sa2|i|14}}
== Notable Citizens ==
*[[Taravangian]]: king of Kharbranth
*[[Adrotagia]]: head scribe.
*[[Dova]]: ardent. Taravangian believes Dova to be the herald Battah'Elin.{{book ref|sa3|121}}
*[[Dukar]]: stormwarden. Dukar is in charge of Taravangian's daily intelligence testing and helps determine whether the king is fit for duty each morning.
== Trivia ==
*Languages - similarities
*Real life place
== See Also ==
|