Although the Five Kings Mountains are harsh, forbidding, and often dangerous, most residents of the region today would say that their society is healthy and thriving. Political stability and economic opportunity have begun to pull the region into what some are calling the Era of Hope, which is surprisingly optimistic given the dwarves’ historical outlook. Surviving the hardships of the most recent Era of Toil has encouraged a lighter mood among the populace; they welcome new opportunities to bring dwarven culture and pride to heights not seen since the age of Taargick.
One consequence of the lack of central power over the last two centuries of life in the Five Kings is the decline of dwarven monoculture in the region. While personal, clan, and family traditions remain extremely important to residents, space has opened for some social heterodoxy and the idea that there is no single proper way to be a dwarf. What is proper is that all members of the community come together to support the whole. Residents in the Five Kings remain suspicious of outsiders and aloof toward visitors, but once an individual is welcomed into the community, their fellows would give them the black bread off their own table if they needed it. Hard work, individuality, and community support makes the Five Kings Mountains an ideal place to live and work.
Among the dynamic cultural forces in the region are the
Rivethun dwarves, who integrate ancient dwarven shamanist practices with contemporary life. Drawing on the distinction between their physical forms and their spiritual selves, the Rivethun have awakened not only mystical power, but also insightful self-discovery in a growing number of adherents. Seeing the spiritual potential in all beings, the Rivethun also caution their communities to use the resources of the natural world and the energy of their neighbours with care.
Residents look towards tradition as a balancing weight to these newer cultural developments, ensuring that society does not change so quickly that it becomes unrecognizable or unstable. Clan and caste relationships play an important role in daily life, particularly in cities and towns. A social hierarchy gives shape and support to the region’s communities, even if that shape is not as rigid as it once was. Social institutions such as military units, religious orders, and scholarly academies continue to exert a significant influence on life in the region. The pace of life is greatly impacted by the dwarven majority that lives in the area, and dwarves rarely begin new ventures, make decisions, or change their minds hastily. Other residents know and value the history of their mountain home, and of dwarven cultural life. Debates and discussions from the dinner table to the council hall are often illustrated with examples from the days of Khadon the Mighty, or even King Taargick! Residents of the Five Kings believe that developments unmindful of the past are unlikely to endure into the future.
Gazetteer
Above and below the surface, the Five Kings Mountains are peppered with sites of interest.
Bolgrad
This city in the northeastern reaches of the Five Kings is widely known for the mining, cutting, and polishing of gemstones. The veins of gem-rich ore that line the cavern ceiling of the city have earned it the nickname “Star-Studded Bolgrad.” Most of the city’s 5,700 residents earn their livelihood from the gem trade in some fashion, and Bolgrad’s jewellery makers enjoy widespread renown; when the Gathering Council decided to send Grand Princess Eutropia Stavian of Taldor a coronation gift, they contracted a great necklace from Bolgrad’s artisans. Though most residents of the underground city are dwarves, elves form a sizable minority of the population here, with a large proportion of them serving as clergy of Yuelral. A temple to the wise goddess, led by high priest Wenristan Ridistrial, provides complimentary accommodations to artisans of all races travelling to the city to study.
The Carved Kings
After the signing of the Kerse Accord (2332 AR) and the end of seven centuries of civil war, the people of the region raised titanic monuments to commemorate the visionary agreements. Carved into the sides of prominent peaks across the mountain range, the five sculptures depict legendary dwarven monarchs as much larger than life—all of the carvings are over 150 feet tall. For over 2,000 years, the kings that give the region its name have proudly guarded important passes and prominent settlements. King Harral, the ruler of Saggorak, looks down from the heights of Lightning’s Call. The carving of King Kazmukh of Doggadth looks down over the Great Pass near Fort Dagh. King Rolgrimm of Grakodan watches over the Low Pass near Rolgrimmdur, while King Madgrim IX of Gardadth looms from the side of Mount Arugak near Kolvar. The likeness of King Taggun (sometimes called Taggrick I) is carved into the side of Mount Langley and stands sentinel over the Kingstower Pass and nearby Taggoret. Though no living dwarven resident of the region could have been around during the creation of these monoliths, a rumour almost as old as the monuments themselves persists throughout the Five Kings Mountains. Those who place any value in the rumour believe that each of the monuments contains a magical jewel—each king’s respective clan gem—that can unleash destructive power capable of annihilating any army that dares assault the region.
Coralesian
Unlike most towns in the Five Kings Mountains, Coralesian (population: 460) is primarily a residence for elves. The townsfolk moved into the mountains to appreciate the high peaks, alpine meadows, and breathtaking cliffs. Ranger Captain Jaychen Endrani is the nominal leader of the community, though the small populace tries to find consensus on major issues before making any vital decisions.
Daralathyxl’s Lair
Reportedly active in the Five Kings region since around 3000 AR, the ancient red dragon Daralathyxl makes his home in foothills between Droskar’s Crag and Mount Gustus. Easily one of the largest and most powerful creatures in Avistan, the magnificent dragon commands allegiance from dragons and other creatures throughout his extensive range, and his periodic rages across the area are legendary. In the past century, sightings of the great dragon have become increasingly rare, leading some to speculate that the fearsome creature has finally died. Adventurers hoping to plunder an abandoned lair should be wary, however, as past rumours of Daralathyxl’s death merely presaged a violent reemergence of the creature.
Davarn
This large town (population: 2,250) in the southwestern reaches of the Five Kings is divided into two parts: an agrarian surface district primarily settled by humans, and an urbanized underground district that houses most of the town’s dwarves. Relations between the districts are cooperative, and both are represented on the town’s five-member ruling council. Councillors serve for staggered 10-year terms, with elections occurring every two years, causing some residents to complain that there always seems to be a reelection campaign going on. The two most powerful councillors at the moment are Mayor Ranti Bessik (LN female dwarf politician) and customs collector Novar Rinaldi (N male human bureaucrat). While the town’s many artisans produce high quality goods, and its mines are productive, the settlement thrives because of its prime location as a nexus for trade. Davarn sits in the main pass between Druma and Andoran, and the hospitable town is a major stopping point for trading caravans. The settlement’s subterranean tunnels also connect it to the nearby city of Taggoret, allowing it to tap into the larger dwarven trade network of the region.
Droskar’s Crag
This active volcano forms the highest point in the Five Kings region, reaching 28,822 feet above sea level. The mountain forms two primary peaks, known as the Hammer and the Anvil, and an active lava crater can still be viewed inside the Anvil. The snowcapped area is home to several large ice caps, including the Coldforge, Eastrise, Gold, Peakcrest, Silver, and Sunset glaciers. Runoff from the glaciers feeds into the two major rivers that originate from the mountain’s slopes, the Coldforge River on the north side and the Goldmelt River on the southwest. Both of these streams empty into the River Foam over the border in Andoran and were important trading arteries before the fall of Tar Khadurrm. The volcano’s last major eruption, known as the Rending, occurred in 3980 AR when a violent convulsion of the mountain destroyed the subterranean dwarven capital of Jernashall and sent the surface city of Raseri Kanton tumbling into lava-filled crevices in the volcano’s sides. The eruption and accompanying earthquakes caused widespread destruction across the region, with major damage from snowmelt flooding reported as far south as Almas, in Andoran. In addition to the physical damage and loss of life, the catastrophe broke the empire of Tar Khadurrm, ushering in a period of cultural decline for the dwarves living in the region. That the mountain occasionally unleashes smoke, ash, and the rare fire elemental is a continued cause for concern among the region’s population.
Elistia
A strategic military outpost of the elven nation of Kyonin, the Fortress of the Bluffs commands a wide view of the northeastern range of the Five Kings Mountains as well as the borders with Kyonin and Galt. A garrison of 500 warriors vigilantly guards the borders to the elven kingdom. The elves have been known to assist imperilled mountaineers they encounter on patrols, though they are otherwise cool to visitors.
Emperor’s Peak
The second-highest mountain in the Five Kings range at 18,365 feet, Emperor’s Peak is the home of
Highhelm, the region’s capital. In addition to the city in its depths, the most prominent feature of Emperor’s Peak is the figure of the Guardian King carved into the side of the mountain. Constructed by the people of Highhelm to represent the enduring spirit of the city, the sculpture does not depict any particular monarch, but rather the ideals of dwarven monarchy: protection, stability, and tradition. The Guardian King symbolizes to the people of the Five Kings that Highhelm is ready to stand as an impenetrable refuge for those in need.
Fort Dagh
Set atop a peak just south of Tar-Kazmukh, this outpost monitors the Great Pass and much of the region’s northwestern border. Dwarves accustomed to living underground consider Dagh a hardship post, but the majority of the mountain dwarves and humans that staff the outpost appreciate waking up to its breathtaking views of the range and surrounding countryside.
Kar-Azakh
Newcomers to Kar-Azakh are often taken aback by the loud reverberations that thunder through the city, caused by the roaring 200-foot-tall waterfall at its heart, and the answering echoes from the city’s cavern walls. Longtime residents of the small city (population: 3,200) wear hearing protection whenever they venture outdoors and do most of their public communication using sign language. Dealing with the noise is worth it for the settlement’s residents, as the waterfall, known as the Cascade, provides enough energy to turn dozens of waterwheels within the city. Kar-Azakh’s mayor, Tandril Gripstone, ensures that all of the city’s mills get a chance to take advantage of the waterfall’s power.
Kingtower Pass
This strategically important pass runs between Droskar’s Crag and Mount Gustus, on the southern edge of the Five Kings Mountains. The carved face of King Taggun looms over the pass, marking the border between the region and Andoran. A detachment of dwarves patrols the region on the lookout for wayward travellers and the occasional uncanny creature that wanders out of the nearby Darkmoon Vale.
Kolvar
One of the region’s smaller cities with a population around 4,500, subterranean Kolvar was once the southern district of a much larger city called Saggorak. Saggorak’s mighty, rune-covered walls were sturdy enough to repel any invader, but a protracted siege by orc forces eventually led to mass starvation and the fall of the city in 2519 AR. The orcs were unable to claim their prize, however, as the city’s residents rose as undead and spirits to drive out the invaders. Almost 700 years later, efforts by King Khadon the Mighty to retake and cleanse the city for dwarven habitation were only partially effective. The reclaimed southern district was renamed Kolvar and the district’s fortifications were rebuilt to repel any undead threats from the haunted remains of the fallen city. Today, powerful guilds of artisans hold political sway, and “King” Kelda Halrig, head of the Anvillers’ Guild and Chief Councillor of the Court of Regents, is unlikely to be referred to as a monarch outside the Gathering Council.
Kykar
With a population of 9,200, Kykar is the largest of the region’s cities without a voice on the Gathering Council. Situated under Mount Gustus in the southeastern corner of the Five Kings range, the city has long attempted to gain the political prominence of neighbouring Taggoret and Rolgrimmdur. Recently, Lord Mayor Hansin Struckiron has thrown his political influence and economic connections behind the regional unification efforts of Highhelm’s King Borogrim, figuring that centralized authority may level the playing field for the other cities within the region.
Larrad
Centred on a cluster of temple caverns carved by some of the first dwarves to settle the region, the city of Larrad (population: 18,930) is a nexus of pilgrimage and spiritual life. While small temples honouring most common Inner Sea deities can be found in the city, the focus of worship, and of city life, is on Torag and his family. Vast cathedrals dedicated to members of the dwarven pantheon serve as training centres for much of the dwarven clergy, and most businesses support religious life in some capacity. The city is also home to a grand necropolis overseen by the priests of Magrim. Once, many of the city’s residents were interred there, but today the honour is bestowed sparingly, with final approval required from King Besta Grimeye.
Lightning’s Call
This lofty peak on the edge of Kyonin is known for its two defining characteristics: the giant carving of King Harral that looks out over the south side of the Great Pass, and the constant gathering of storm clouds that shroud its top. Wizards from Tar-Kazmukh who have studied the phenomenon swear that it isn’t magical in nature, but conventional descriptions fail to sufficiently explain the anomaly.
Raseri Kanton
Originally thought lost after the Rending, the city of Raseri Kanton is now a location of great excitement. A recent expedition by the Pathfinder Society rediscovered the city deep beneath the depths of Droskar’s Crag. The search was long and perilous, and explorers have only just begun to comb the ruins of the city. While the path to Raseri Kanton is now clear thanks to the Society’s efforts, the city itself could still hold dangers awaiting a chance to escape into the greater region.
Rolgrimmdur
Legendary King Khadon the Mighty established the settlement that would become Rolgrimmdur as a military outpost during his campaign to drive orc forces out of the region in the 32nd century AR. Built upon the ruins of the city of Grakodan, which orcs had sacked almost 700 years earlier, Rolgrimmdur served as a strategic supply point during the campaign. After Khadon founded his kingdom of Tar Khadurrm, Rolgrimmdur grew into a true fortress city, today hosting a population of just over 7,000. Despite the turmoil of the intervening years, the city remains home to the preeminent military training facility in the Five Kings, and martial life is central to the city’s culture, with most residents studying tactics, combat techniques, and military history from a young age. Even many officials from Druma and Andoran travel to the city to receive combat training. The city exports mercenary companies to other cities in the Five Kings mountains when necessary and is the central manufacturer of siege weaponry in the region. King Kaldon the Stalwart oversees the city’s fortifications, including the defences constructed to separate the city from the extensive Darklands caverns that run below.
Shaping Bluffs
This two-mile stretch of steep red stone cliffs runs along the water where the Sellen River marks the border between the Five Kings and the tumultuous nation of Galt. The faces of the bluffs reshape themselves at erratic intervals, seemingly ignoring any effects of the wind and water on the cliffside. The shifting of the bluffs often opens up small caves at the water level, and the area has become a haven for smugglers and river pirates operating along the Sellen. The constantly shifting geography allows them to elude capture by the little authority that exists along the river by frequently changing the locations of their hideouts.
Taggoret
The city of Taggoret (population: 14,800) sits at the confluence of many of the tunnel systems and lava tubes that run underneath the Five Kings Mountains. The industrial city’s primary export is the fine iron that is mined and smelted beneath the mountains. Some of the city’s richest mines were cut off during the Rending, but King Gefburt Gondak is leery of reopening any tunnels running in the direction of Droskar’s Crag. He would prefer to investigate more efficient techniques for exploiting the ore veins already in use.
Tar-Kazmukh
The small city-state of Tar-Kazmukh (population: 3,740) is home to the most extensive libraries and archives in the Five Kings Mountains, and dwarven wizards from across Golarion travel to the city to gain access to its arcane libraries. The Blue Warders, rune-tattooed librarians who expertly navigate the protective magic of the archives, allow most visitors access to their collection, and they are particularly eager to work with those researching planar phenomena. Navigating the archives without an experienced guide is inadvisable, as magic formed much of the stonework, and passages have been known to shift unexpectedly or dump the unwary in “lost” archives with little chance of escape. Sibling rulers King Wultri Nalkuver and King Hromkar Nalkuver represent the city on
the Gathering Council.
Varook’s Deep
At 17,621 feet below sea level, Varook’s Deep (population: 2,575) is the lowest point of the tunnels beneath the mountain range still inhabited by dwarves. The city is considered the first line of defence against an incursion from the Darklands and a martial spirit generally prevails, with General Flinda Strikespark leading the well-supplied garrison in the settlement. So deep underground that it is rarely visited by surface dwellers, the city hosts a number of traders and travellers from the Darklands. It’s not unusual to see caligni, svirfneblin, or subterranean fey visiting the city, typically escorted by a local.
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