Vurothil (vuhr-oh-thil)
Known as the Third City in dwarven culture, Vurothil was actually the second of the dwarven cities to be founded and be built up. After the founding of Gel Eamoni in 2084 1A, Vurothil became the Third City, as its residual population was smaller than Gel Eamoni's original founding population. The main draw of Vurothil is and has always been its nework of mines and magma-heated forges.
Though it is the oldest city on Ostroven Island it is not the capital of its nation; Port O'Connor is the main hub for goods coming in and out of Ostroven and is the capital of the nation. Vurothil is respected for its large population and historical longevity, despite the majority of its early population being wiped out in The Smiting.
The layout of the city is interesting and definitely one of the things most visitors find intriguing. As an underground city located beneath a volcano, the city is built around the perimeter of the volcano's interior on six different levels, with a large open area in the middle. There are mechanical and magical elevators that move people and goods between the tiers located at ten different locations around the circular area of the city. The lowest level contains the access points to the mines, which extend deep under the rest of the island in all directions.
Demographics
The population of Vurothil is roughly 50% dwarven and 30% halfling. Many of the dwarven families can trace their roots back to the original settlers, or at least the first couple waves of settlers, while halflings have been migrating to this island and this city almost non-stop for over two millennia. The remaining population is a mix of many other races and peoples coming from various backgrounds, but perhaps the most interesting are the handful of fire genasi families that have lived here for several generations, drawn to the magma and the forges of the city.
As with most large cities, there are a variety of industries for people to work, at various skill levels. There are a small number of impoverished people, but the dwarven social norms of caring for extended family and community help provide at least a steady, if poor, life for most of the citizens. There is a middle class comprised mostly of artisans working in the forges or hewing buildings from the dense stone underground. The aristocracy is comprised of old money families who have invested in mercantile or mining operations for many centuries.
Government
Within the elected monarchy of Ostrovenia, Vurothil has its own sort of elected monarchy. The aristocratic families all get together every six years and elect a new Mayor from among their ranks. As politics among the families change, one family can go from having the mayorship for over 20 years to being frozen out for a couple centuries. There are also a number of advisor positions that the mayor appoints, usually as a "reward" to the other families who supported that mayor's bid. The mayor and advisors appoint the several judgeships in the city from among a small class of civil servants and practiced attorneys.
Most of the aristocrats who elect the leaders and run the government are dwarven, which has been known to cause animosity from the halflings and other races who feel unrepresented. In response to a specific uprising in 385 2A, several citizen committees were formed to allow the people of the city to suggest policies and give input. The mayor and advisors do not have to heed the advice or decisions of these committees, though if they ignore them completely often enough or on important issues they risk open rebellion by the people.
Defences
The main gates of Vurothil are made of dense basalt and obsidian, able to resist the melting heat of lava and all weapons that have attempted to breach so far. The city also has two external outposts about 300 yards from the main gate, flanking on either side. These outposts are fairly small, given the relatively few threats the city faces, and they serve more to scrutinize incoming travelers and merchants who might be bringing contraband or illegal items into the city.
Since all mine locations are located on the lowest level of the city, there is a large garrison of soldiers (around 300 troops) able to respond to any threat that may emerge from the mine shafts. The threats are mainly from monsters, as there is no Underdark area underneath Ostroven. These troops maintain readiness at all times and tend to be sharp and well-trained, able to deal with the various monsters and creatures easily.
Industry & Trade
The vast majority of Vurothil's economy is connected to the mines and forges. The city has little need for gems, other than those that the aristocrats want to purchase for themselves; as a result, they export most of the gems and keep the ore to process and smith themselves. The forges of Vurothil are capable of making everything from the sharpest axes to the finest nails and hammers, and their quality is known and respected worldwide.
Infrastructure
As a large city with a very lucrative export trade, Vurothil has very advanced infrastructure. All roads within the city are cobbled and well maintained, to make travel and goods transport as efficient as possible. The elevators that help move between the city's six layers are also a marvel for many who are not used to seenig such splendors, though they are also very valuable to the city for their functionality. The city gets its clean water from a variety of subterranean lakes and streams that have been diverted or redirected to Vurothil through aqueducts and pipes.
The most famous and lucrative aspects of Vurothil are their massive magma-heated forges that are used to craft some of the best weapons and tools in the world. These forges were built in the earliest days of the city by clerics of the smith god Eamon who were acting on divine instruction and inspiration. The holy symbol of Eamon adorns every anvil and every forge area, and this blessing is what grants the smiths some of their quality and ability. The mines also have a series of carts and rails that help transporting workers to the mines and ore and gems back to the city. Though the carts and rails are a result of mechanical engineering, the carts operate using levitation magic to make them extremely easy to push even up an incline.
Architecture
Most buildings in Vurothil are functional and utilitarian, built out of the very stone of the mountain in what would be described as brutalism. In typical dwarven style, the ostentatious aspects are reserved for the interiors - tapestries, ornate pottery dishes, busts of family ancestors, etc. The halfling houses, however, are easy to spot as many are painted vibrant colors that easily stand out amongst the darker grey-black of the dwarven stone buildings.
The aristocratic houses are somewhat secluded from the rest of the city, occupying the middle six levels on the northern side of the volcano. They are typically larger than most other dwarven houses and tend to be adorned with gold or silver accents, mined and crafted by locals.
The temples and large government buildings are located on the top ring of the city, with a buffer of inns and taverns between them and the entrance road. They tend to be large brutalist or neoclassical buildings made of the same basalt that comprises the volcano's interior. Many are carved straight into the side of the mountain, going all the way through the volcano's walls and utilizing the sunlight from the exterior to light up their otherwise darkened interiors.
Founding Date
499 1A
Alternative Name(s)
The Third City (for dwarves)
Type
City
Population
39,204
Inhabitant Demonym
Vurothillers
Location under
Owning Organization
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