Rune Kingdom of Okhrizum
The Rune Kingdom of Okhrizum is a vast subterranean dwarven realm spanning two major mountain ranges. the Southern Muldan Peaks and the Northern Boldor Range. This industrious and militaristic kingdom is renowned for its unparalleled craftsmanship, mastery of rune magic, and a deeply ingrained culture of music.
Okhrizum is unified under a rotational monarchy, with the throne alternating between the three great clans: Clan Forgeseeker, Clan Ironfist, and Clan Runebranch. These three founding clans not only shaped the kingdom's history but also serve as the cultural and political backbone of the dwarven nation.
Etymology
The name Okhrizum is believed by scholars to derive from the ancient Dwarvish root words "Okh" meaning "stone" or "mountain," "Riz" meaning "rune" or "inscription," and "Um" meaning "home" or "domain." Together, Okhrizum translates roughly to "The Runestone Home", encapsulating the essence of the dwarven kingdom as a place of enduring strength, magic, and tradition. This name has remained unchanged since the kingdom's founding, serving as a testament to the dwarves' reverence for their history and heritage.
Geography
The Muldan Peaks, the first home of Okhrizum's dwarves, feature sprawling subterranean cities connected by a labyrinth of tunnels. The capital, Karaz-Muldan, is a marvel of dwarven engineering, with a central throne hall adorned with glowing runestones and intricately carved murals depicting the kingdom’s history. The Boldor Range, settled later by dwarves from Clan Ironfist, is known for its rich iron and mithril deposits. The largest city here, Karaz-Boldor, serves as the northern capital and is famed for its massive forges and impenetrable gates. The two mountain ranges are connected by the Tenebrous Expanse an enormous system of subterranean caves, caverns, and tunnels located deep beneath the surface of Ithon.
Government
The Rune Kingdom of Okhrizum is ruled by a rotational monarchy, with the crown passing between the heads of the three founding clans every 25 years. The monarch, known as the Rune King or Rune Queen, is selected from one of the three great clans: Clan Forgeseeker, who are master craftsmen and innovators in metallurgy and smithing. Clan Ironfist, who are military strategists and exceptional warriors and Clan Runebranch, who excel in rune magic, knowledge, and lore. All other dwarven clans trace their lineage back to these three great clans, forming a heritage-based hierarchy. Despite this, Okhrizum values communal governance, with local matters handled by elected councils within each city.
Economy
Okhrizum's economy thrives on mining, metallurgy, and rune magic. The dwarves are unrivalled in crafting enchanted runes and durable ironworks. Trade caravans frequently travel from Okhrizum to other nations, exchanging dwarven goods for food, textiles, and rare magical components. The Muldan Peaks produce precious metals like gold and silver, while the Boldor Range yields iron and mithril. Runebranch dwarves have perfected the art of inscribing magical runes onto weapons, tools, and infrastructure, making them highly sought after by other nations.
Culture
Music lies at the heart of Okhrizian culture, woven into every aspect of life, from labour to warfare. Dwarves songs are practical as well as expressive, maintaining rhythm and morale in both work and battle. Foremen and military officers are trained not only in leadership but also in bardic skills, ensuring every team or squad functions as a cohesive unit. Their work songs are used during mining, smithing, and construction to coordinate movements and enhance productivity. Their battle hymns are sung by soldiers and led by officers, these songs instill discipline and unify the army. During coronations, festivals, and rites of passage, dwarves perform intricate compositions blending vocal harmonies with instruments like stone drums, rune-carved lutes, and brass horns.
The Festival of the Forging Flame is the Rune Kingdom of Okhrizum's most celebrated event, held annually in the heart of Karaz-Muldan It commemorates the founding of the first great forge by Clan Forgeseeker. During the festival, the Great Forge is rekindled with a sacred flame, symbolizing dwarven resilience and craftsmanship. Competitions are held in smithing, rune-carving, and songcraft, while grand feasts fill the halls with roasted meats and ales. The highlight is the Flame Chorus, where bards and artisans join in a powerful hymn, blending music with the rhythmic hammering of smiths to create a symphony of industry and tradition.
Military
The Okhrizian military is a disciplined and formidable force with a reputation for impenetrable defenses and devastating counterattacks. They use heavy infantry units equipped with rune-enchanted armour and weapons, specialists who deploy siege-breaking machinery and explosives, and giant boar and goat cavalry, tailored to their mountainous terrain.
Giant Boars ridden by southern warriors are powerful and aggressive mounts that excel in charge tactics, smashing through enemy lines with their tusks and sheer mass. Giant Goats favored in the north, are nimble and sure-footed creatures who navigate steep cliffs and rocky terrain with ease, making them ideal for skirmishes and ambushes.
The dwarves of Okhrizum are also renowned for their defensive strategies, with cities designed to withstand prolonged sieges. Their mountains are natural barriers making invasions a costly endeavour.
Diplomacy
Vahad voth Lekum!
"Together we Rise!"
Anthem: Fellows of the Hammer
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