The City of Bedrin
Bedrin city will likely give the title of provincial capital to the nearby and now much larger (not to mention far more modern) city of Morrid. Even 100 years before the uniting of Atla and the formation of the provinces Morrid had already doubled Bedrin in population. 
While thousands and thousands of people travel to and from the city each year, this tourism is due primarily to the city’s in-between location. All goods traveling to and from the ports of Morrid must go through Bedrin to reach the rest of Atla, because the line running through Bedrin is the only link between Morrid and the north western cities (Tenos and camp Hesiod) with the inner heart of the continent. The stop in Bedrin is nothing more than a logistical and scheduling necessity before the goods are carried any further inland. More often than not, even in the public railcarts, the passengers rarely stray farther than the station during the brief time the carts aren’t moving on. Due to the perpetually foggy climate and location of the station behind a set of small, rocky hills, it’s impossible to even steal a quick glance of the city beyond.
A land of eternal mist, fog and rain covers the barrows and moors of the Bedrin valley (the primary culprit in hiding the city from casual travelers). It is also home to the largest complete castle anywhere on Atla which is still in use today by the King of Bedrin, King Antony Bedrin XVIII.
For hundreds of years the cobbled streets of the secluded land have changed little if at all since the last major internal struggle around 238 PM. During that time new technologies and ideas spread and caused a minor war. Since then, the influences of the outside world have been insignificant. The people are still mostly employed in agriculture or with livestock and the monarchy of the city is the oldest living monarchy on Atla, and perhaps the world.
The Bedrin valley is completely surrounded by tall, rugged mountains. Castle Bedrin with its expansive walls and massive turrets rests up against the southeastern corner of the valley, protected on nearly all sides by the impossibly steep and rugged mountains. Many have claimed throughout the years that the location up against a mountain would prove to be a problem by making it easier for attackers to assault the castle, especially from above. To anyone still under such an impression, the fact must be brought up that the castle still remains in use. The mountains around the valley and specifically the castle are literally impossible to scale without a rope and harness. The few assaults on the castle of Bedrin that were made by way of the mountains ended in disaster before even reaching level ground. By the time any troops had ever made it, they were spread so far and thin that Bedrin had little problem in finishing them off. Further, the high turrets and towers offer a strategic advantage for the castle, occasionally being able to spot any potential threat above the mist. It must be noted that the heavy mists that fill the valley obscure anyone coming or going which has also served as a great deterrent for centuries. With mist often so heavy you wouldn’t know you’re in the city, even standing in the center of it, the city has been left alone by both friend and foe throughout many years.
Though the rail line passes through the city of Bedrin, the impact has been fairly insignificant compared to other cities both culturally and topographically (compared to the literal leveling of mountains that is taking place in Alpine). Taking the easiest route through the canyons of the Bedrin mountain range, the rail line enters the city on the north side (where the station is located), then quickly vanishes into another tunnel. On anything less than a perfectly clear day it is be impossible to tell the rail line exists save perhaps for the occasional rumble of a heavy load as it exits the tunnel (even that can only be felt when standing close to the station).
Unlike many of the other castles throughout Atla which have been transformed into historical sites, homes or a number of other functions (including military headquarters), Castle Bedrin is a true, living castle. Travelers have frequently made Bedrin a destination of theirs, thinking they would tour the castle as they might have the many others throughout the province (nicknamed The Land of Castles). Those foolish enough not to realize the legitimacy of the castle were and still are quickly turned away before even reaching the gate by the king’s guards who still go by the names of old–knights.
Because Bedrin is ruled by a monarchy it is one of the only cities on Atla not to be even slightly democratic (as Atla overall is considered to be). Following the noble bloodline, the next heir to the throne is named by the males eighth birthday, and his rule begins when his father secedes the throne in his old age, or in rare instances, dies. King Antony Bedrin XVIII and the Queen, Marie Bedrin have two children. The eldest, a female, will live with the family until the new king is named, at which point if the new king wishes to keep her in the family he may, otherwise she will be severed from the royal line and thrown into the life of a commoner. Their second child, a male, Antony XIX, age 5, is two years younger than his sister. Tradition has it that the firstborn inherits the kingdom when he comes of age, however the decision is solely that of the king. When a female is the firstborn the king dismisses it and awaits for the first male to name the firstborn. Whether or not they will have another child, and if it is a male to which they give him the throne, is something only time will reveal. Because of the private nature of their personal lives, nothing is known regarding the potential for another male child.
The antiquated notion of male superiority still remains in Bedrin city, and to a lesser extent the entire province of Bedrin which retains hints of monarchy throughout. Because of this, equal rights activists have been working endlessly on liberating the oppressed women of the city and province. The GC remains neutral on the issue still, stating that the issue is more involved than simply liberating women by changing a law or rule. The culture is still based on a class system where the king is chosen by their God’s will (the kingdom has worshiped Vos since the problems of 238 PM), and rules in His name. Not wishing to sour any ties with the province in the still growing provincial relationship, the GC has decided it will remain neutral for as long as needed unless a major problem arises. And though there are laws in place to ensure equal rights for every man and woman, Bedrin has been exempt from this rule because of the lands unique religious and cultural situation (sharing this exemption with the city of FrostRight).
It might not sound like the city is very welcoming to outsiders, but that is actually far from the truth. The locals are quite friendly and caring of nearly anyone who comes their way. The only problem is that few outsiders find enough interest in the city to make the trip (now that the word is out regarding the castles attitude towards tourists).
A mellow environment, one that is always damp, is another factor in keeping tourists from the city. Rolling green hills, cobbled streets, wood and stone buildings with thatched roofs and wooden shutters, indeed few modern conveniences have found their way into the city. Many of the homes still use wood stoves for heat and warm their bath water over a fire. While the city is aware of modern Magi-Tech such as cold boxes and motorcarts, most don’t really care. The people usually wear what they can make with the wool and other products they have around them. For entertainment the locals find a good time in the local pubs after a long days work in the fields and around the house. Occasionally the king holds festivals for the commoners within the walls of the castle in the gardens or in the Great Plaza where dancing and singing are accompanied by plays of all types on a rollout stage.
The environment of Bedrin has often been compared to the farmlands of Arodil, it is said that the two cities are ‘completely different, yet exactly the same’. Much of the similarity comes from the fact that the modern conveniences and technologies are typically shunned in favor of the traditional way of life. But where Arodil has adopted a few modern farming techniques to ensure enough food for all of Atla, Bedrin city doesn’t have a single motorcart. However, where the people of Arodil completely disregard Magi-Tech and other technology, inside Castle Bedrin the king himself has a rather modern dwelling, one which is wired with a dedicated communication line (one of only 8 outside the military) and even modern plumbing which was laboriously installed over a five year period.
The few tourists that do happen to put Bedrin on their list of places to see usually do so for the beauty of the land and for the unique culture. Perhaps nowhere in the civilized land of Atla is there a better place to forget about the rest of the world for a while and to simply enjoy the peace of life itself. It has been the tradition in many instances, for abandoned or disheveled youth to leave their families behind and travel to Bedrin. The locals are always more than welcome to accept an extra hand in the chores, during which time the youth will ‘discover’ themselves in a true life. So the average traveler has now have begun to take the same journey, coming to Bedrin if even for a week, to explore a simple life where the important thing is enjoying the company around you, and helping those who need it.
Only the travelers who stay longer than perhaps even a year, come to realize the city is not a perfect land after all. The general feeling towards the king currently is one of reserved hostility among the natives. Though they willingly accept invitations to the dances and festivals held in the castle courtyard, few actually approve of the king’s ideals. It is said that the king himself would do away with the festivals, that they ‘pollute’ his holy castle. The only reason they are said to exist is by the wise council of his many assistants who are probably accurate when they say ridding the people of that one thing (after so many freedoms and joys have been taken over the years) would inevitably lead to his assassination or usurpation. Hopes amongst the older generation are great that the next king, young Antony XIX or possibly an unborn child, will change things for the better.
