Begnion

Begnion is the dwarven and gnomish kingdom in the western mountains. The region has smaller mountains than those in Frelian territory, but these are more metal rich, and dwarven mines honeycomb them for miles in every direction. The dwarves hail to a king, and also elect members to a Senate. Gnomes have a few seats on this Senate, but in truth aren't listened to a great deal. Their cooperation occurs most often in the workshop, where the gnomes put dwarven metal to wondrous effect.

Native Life
Life as dwarf is always one of hard work, whether you're a miner or a soldier. They respect their king and his laws, and stay in tight knit family units. The gnomes are seen as mischevious, although they mean no harm, and their activity is caused by high energy and many ideas roaming through their heads at any given moment.

Army
The army is composed mostly of foot soldiers with hammers, maces, and axes as the favored weapons. There are also Griffon Riders that act as scouts and occassional ambush troops. Guns are also starting to become a standard part of the army, and are replacing archers in the ranks.

International Relations
They are mostly distrustful of other nations as a whole, although individuals will be met with respect until they are proven to be worthless or untrustworthy. Rausten has never had good relations with them, and although Daein doesn't outright provoke the dwarves, they are seen as being too nosy for their own good, and pushy to a fault. The nomads of the Cleft Desert and the plains are not considered terribly noteworthy by the government, although trade does occur. The pirate faction is not even on the map (literally) as no self respecting dwarf will go out to sea without a damn good reason.

Gameplay Elements
Dwarves of Begnion get a +2 racial bonus to either Mining or a Craft skill of their choice as long as it has to do with metal or stone working. Gnomes from Begnion gain +2 to Appraise checks due to their close proximity to the best dwarven technology around. Members of the army have access to guns, gain Exotic Weapon Proficiency with guns and may use the Archer, Ranger, or Scout classes in conjunction with gun usage as if they were using bows. (available guns are those listed in table 5-4: Renaissance Weapons in the DMG)