Thurdarth
Thurdarth, also known as the City Beneath the Sun, was one of the most influential cities of Adlak. It is here that the Dwarf-Lords sit and rule all other dwarf clans. Once their lands included the Kron Mountains, parts of the Spine of the World, the Lortmil Mountains, the Starmetal Mountains, and many other parts of the Great Barrier Peaks. But that was eons ago, in more recent years their numbers have dwindled and they have lost many citadels and forges. Now the dwarves are so scarce that they only have ony city left, their capital of Thurdarth. The dwarf-lords, who used to number in the dozens if not hundreds, now is just 3, members of clans Dol Buldor, Thogtrim, and Gilolhm. The once very important title of Bronzebeard is now a ceremonial title given to the strongest of the three lords as determined through many ancient trials of strength and resilience.
The city itself has only been seen a handful of times throughout their collective histories. As such, reports of the city vary wildly and few can say where the city may truly lie.
Description
The original citadel and first city of dwarves who mined from their ancestral halls of Erackinor into the prime-material plane. It has withstood waves of elvish warlords seeking to claim the then forested land, to the dragonborn who glassed the forests into the desert people see today. Its Halls of History run deep and rumor says that there are still some that connect to Erackinor. The city is tiered with the Forgers Column acting as a central spine and nervous system for the city. Various elevators take dwarves from one part of the city to the next, with mines being found on the lowest levels. As the mines become tapped of ore, they are widened and expanded into more layers for the great city. The areas on the surface above are claimed by the city, although they are not patrolled or inhabited.Demographics
Dwarf (98.6%), Gnome (1.1%), Human (less than 1%), Halfing (less than 1%)
Government
Thurdarth was ruled by many dwarf-lords whose membership was not kept secret. These dwaf-lords where often leaders of clans and citadels beyond the walls of Thurdarth itself. Above this group was a hidden group of members whose membership was kept secret, even from the other dwarf-lords. These members where usually ancestral founders of various clans who resided in Thurdarth and traveled behind magical masks and cloaks. The subject of whose these hidden dwarf-lords where became a common subject of debate among the dwarf-lords and noble clans within the city.
Law and Order
The Carrion Guard acts as the local police force for the city, whose duties where to capture criminals, settle disputes, give directions, summon magical and religous aid, and keep the peace. Rulings on the cities laws were originally issued by the many dwarf-lords, but are now issues by noble houses called Lauhdram (dwarvish for Magistrates), and more commonly refered to as Red Robes within the city. Members of the Red Robes would travel the city streets with anywhere from 6 to 10 Carrion Guards who would also enforce the Lauhdram's rulings of the law. Those who were accused of a crime could try for an appeal taking the case to the Ironcourt, but faced fierce and often violent punishments if convicted.Industry & Trade
The city does little trade with outside lands. Most food is grown deep underground in mines and the dwarves would rather work the mines themselves than buy slaves or force prisoners to do the labor that they so love. This has lead to Thurdarth being very secluded in its trade and hiding much of its industry from the outside world.
In the early days of the world the dwarves sent vast trade ships and caravans between their citadels and clans, making it still not uncommon to find a sunken treasure ship in the Sea of Fallen Stars.
In the early days of the world the dwarves sent vast trade ships and caravans between their citadels and clans, making it still not uncommon to find a sunken treasure ship in the Sea of Fallen Stars.
Guilds and Factions
Crime
The last theives guild in Thurdarth that openly conducted its activities was dismantled by the Carrion Guard and the Red Robes c.2000 M.E.. While many still make claims to be the heads of various criminal ogranizations within Thurdarth, none have been able to pose a serious threat to the dwarf-lords or the people of Thurdarth in some time.Diplomacy
Alternative Name(s)
City Beneath the Sun, the Last Bastion of Dwarves
Type
Underground / Vault
Population
1.2 million
Inhabitant Demonym
Thurdarian
Location under
Ruling/Owning Rank
Owning Organization
Comments