Dol Thorim

What Goes Below

"Strike where the Ore is Hot" – Traditional Dol Thorim adage.
"Fight where the War is Not" – Traditional Kandaran riposte

It goes without saying that a dwarven nation that consistently mines enough iron on a daily basis to supply an entire city militia for a year (so claim the estimates of experts, Dol Thorim declines to comment) is a cause for concern for its neighbours, however peaceful it might appear. Trade MUST happen somewhere, dwarves do not subsist purely on mining, and so the question arises of Who is the major beneficiary of the most metal-rich region in Terra Firma.
Kandaran seems the most obvious answer, with its significant military budget and its liberal export of mercenary services, to say nothing of its industrialization. Kandaran's impressive industrialization, however, is still a far cry from Loitre's Hot Rod infrastructure and the various factories sprouting everywhere to fuel scientific advancement and machinized revolution, with an equally voracious metal demand. Rumour also has it that the descendants of Dhunlum the Great, founder of Dol Thorim, have never quite forgotten their overground roots in Isenthorn and are still making use of free frozen estate to create something that might humble the world some day, with the patience of dwarven longevity.
The Sands of Haar are the only neighbours ('neighbours' being generous a term) to Dol Thorim that have next to no trading relations with the underground nation, which makes apparent sense for a desert-dwelling, loose tribal 'nation'. However, reports by Kandaran socio-geographical activist 'Koenig' in year 312 cited an active *avoidance* by the Haar tribes of the Dol Thorim region, with primitive tribal shamans attributing the place to 'Bad Voices' or 'Shadows that Dream'. It was even postulated in a since-redacted report (year 317) by War Economist Daseni that the Kandarn-Dol Thorim conflict at Banedur was due to 'sour ore' of a unique nature.
EDITOR REMARK: Interested readers should pick up a copy of 'Vog Taruhr, The Forgotten Fifth' instead.
A modern day visitor to Dol Thorim (only through official tour guides) will likely compare the architecture at Thorndorul and Banedur—the primary entrances to the underground nation—to Kandaran military-variety 'bunkers'. There is a distinct lack of traditional dwarven architectural decorations in the blocky-four sided structures with outward-facing cannons, which the tour guides attribute as homage to Dhunlum the Great's original construction works during his flight from Isenthorn. "Unadorned, the Future King entered his Future Domain, and Unadorned, may it Remain..." to quote from a passage in 'Frost to Forge, Awakenings' (year of publishing unknown).
A long series of stairs (the lift and pulley systems are used only for heavy cargo and ore transport, not passenger convenience) will bring visitors some 1000 ft (mounting of proper survey and measuring equipment is impossible given the bustling passage of dwarven miners and workmen) below the surface, to an intricate crossroad junction of mine cart tracks. Indeed, modified mining carriages (ours still had coal in it, that we were told not to damage) double as transport vehicles to Haghrihm (High Seat, according to our guide), Thortarum (King's Rest) and Kulgolir (Penitent's Hole) in the west, in order, and Vardohr in the east (East Door). Our guide, however, stanchly and loudly refused to even entertain the possibility of visiting the ruins of Vog Taruhr (no translation was given despite asking). When we subsequently loosened his tongue with the highest grades and costs of beverages, he reluctantly related a tale of 'Talking Stone and Whispering Iron' that apparently drove Lord Adrak (year 262) of Vog Taruhr to grave treachery against all of Dol Thorim.
EDITOR's REMARK: Interested readers should pick up a copy of 'Vog Taruhr, The Forgotten Fifth' instead.
The names of each of the five four dwarven cities is not only a historical reflection of their origins, but also a modern political and social hierarchy in Dol Thorim.
Haghrihm, the first capitol of Dol Thorim, is now its religious and historical center. Tourists are brought in strict fashion to bear witness to the exact paths walked by Dhunlum the Great (mostly unmodified as per the entrances above) and the original buildings carved of stone by his hands and those of his first followers. The most remarkable building is the old palace, which now serves as a primary Church and Forge to Moradin, and is tended to by a priesthood directly descended from those who once crowned Dhunlum as 'Thor'. The Old Throne remains, but is left vacant in memory of Dhunlum, and in anticipation that his reincarnation will some day announce himself by seating in it and receiving a crown from the All-Father himself (Moradin).
Thortarum, the second and current capitol of Dol Thorim, is the administrative and ambassadorial arm of the nation. It is apparently not an uncommon sight for Thor Tygrim, the most important dwarf in the nation, to be seen personally overseeing daily operations. The architecture is truest to dwarven design, with multiple construction levels, water channels, elevation layers and walls that serve to comparmentalize areas by function, and double as security measures against unwanted guests. We would have been lost without our guide, and security check points were interspaced regularly.
Kulgolir, the so-called Penitent's Hole, is perhaps the largest surprise for visitors, as it houses numerous visitors of its own. Descendants of the failed coup by Tharrak (year 372) live and regularly rub shoulders with other subterannean denizens officially accepted into the city, but facing restrictions of entry to Thortarum and Haghrihm. I witnessed the presence of Gray Dwarves (Duergar), Deep Gnomes (Svirfneblin), Drow and Kobolds in buildings of mixed architecture, some claiming to have hailed from as far as Grim Hollow. "It all Connects Below", said one kobold, before his compatriots silenced him. Our (surfacer) presence and questions were only tolerated as far as my coin, and our guide warned us that he would provide no assistance or aid if we were accosted.
Last but not least, Vardohr serves as the main commercial and military arm of Dol Thorim. Lord Khardir is a canny leader by reputation, wielding a sword just as easily as a merchant's scale, though not to fond words of our guide. Supposedly, Lord Khardir played both sides of the attempted coup in year 358, and profited greatly as a result. As Haghrihm faces development restrictions, Vardohr remains as the prime city closest to the surface at Thorndorul and Banedur, and thus its civic privileges and functions. Buildings in Vardohr are widely spaced to provide access for traffic, and its people, like its Lord, are almost never seen without visible arms and means of wealth in display. One group took particular interest when I described the arrrangements and services of Adventurer's Guilds in Loitre, but our guide hastened our schedule shortly after...
I was unable to make forays into Vog Taruhr, but I extend an invitation to any interested persons of the University or otherwise to provide information, with adequate compensation. I have also heard rumours of artifacts and items from the buried city to be available at certain markets and auctions...

Final-Year Report
Nicoletti Bayard,
University of Bing Lobus.