Khaz'Dûm

The Kingdom of the Dwarves

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"In the depth of the mountains, where darkness meets the light of fire, resides the greatness forged by the hammer and anvil." — Dwarven Proverb from Khaz'Dûm

Khaz'Dûm is a legendary underground kingdom nestled deep within the mountains of Andoris. This realm, sculpted from rock and illuminated by centuries of craftsmanship and traditions, embodies the endurance, creativity, and honor of the Dwarven people. Each tunnel, each forge, and each pillar bears the indelible mark of their heritage. It is not merely a citadel; it is a living symbol of a civilization forged in the heat of steel and the trials of time.

History of Khaz'Dûm

Origins in the Depths

Khaz'Dûm traces its origins to a tumultuous past, marked by The War of the Gods, a cataclysmic conflict that nearly destroyed the peoples of the land. When the elemental deities clashed in titanic battles, the terrifying tremors of the war caused massive landslides, burying Mirkuldihr, the Dwarves' first city, beneath mountains of rubble. The survivors of this catastrophe were forced to flee to unknown lands, but some sought refuge in the mountains of what would later become Andoris. There, in the heart of the earth, they founded Khaz'Dûm, a city built not only to honor the memory of Mirkuldihr but also as a symbol of rebirth. The Dwarves vowed to restore their kingdom, forging their future in stone with an unyielding will.

The Age of the Great Forges

The Age of the Great Forges was a defining period in Khaz'Dûm's history. During this time, the kingdom expanded deep beneath the mountains, and its underground citadels interlinked, connecting various mountain ranges. Khaz'Dûm’s forges became legendary, producing weapons of unparalleled quality and artworks that earned the Dwarves renown throughout Andoris. These forges were not just tools of war but symbols of the Dwarves’ ingenuity and their deep connection to the earth.

The Cavern Wars

The Cavern Wars were a series of major conflicts in which Khaz'Dûm had to fight against the creatures of darkness that inhabited the earth's depths. Monsters such as cave trolls and goblin hordes waged war against the Dwarves, seeking to subjugate their underground cities. These wars forged the Dwarves’ reputation as ruthless warriors and brilliant strategists. They perfected the art of warfare by developing defensive tactics suited to underground combat, where every tunnel and corridor could become a deadly trap for enemies.

Culture and Ideology

Reverence for the Earth

Khaz'Dûm's culture is deeply rooted in reverence for the earth and its riches. The Dwarves believe that the earth, in all its forms, is a sacred gift from Gaëdras, their patron deity. Every stone mined, every metal forged, every structure built is seen as a tribute to Gaëdras and their ancestors. They view the earth not only as a source of wealth but also as a spiritual link that connects them to the primordial forces of nature. Religious rites play a central role in Dwarven life. Temples dedicated to Gaëdras are places of prayer and ceremony, where the Dwarves honor the earth and its blessings. The Forge Festival is one of the most significant celebrations, held annually to honor the earth’s gifts and the skill of the blacksmiths. The Dwarves believe that every work crafted with care and devotion is a blessing from Gaëdras.

Social System and Clans

The Dwarven social system is deeply organized into clans, each specializing in a particular domain: forging, mining, architecture, or jewelry. These clans, often composed of several generations, preserve and pass down craftsmanship that has been honed since the kingdom’s origins. Each clan takes great pride in its specialization, and clan leaders are chosen based on their experience and dedication to their craft.

The Art of Runes

Although the Dwarves are generally skeptical of magic, they use runes and enchantments to enhance their creations. This magic, often tied to handcrafted items, allows them to create artifacts of remarkable power, whether in the form of rune-etched axes or jewelry embedded with precious gems.

Army and Defenses

The Dwarven Warriors

Khaz'Dûm’s army is one of the most feared forces in Andoris. With their warrior traditions, the Dwarves fight with unparalleled bravery, their endurance in battle being legendary. The soldiers' gear is forged from mithril, a rare and extremely durable metal. Armed with rune-etched axes and protected by heavy armor, they are formidable on the battlefield. The Rock Guards, an elite faction of Dwarven soldiers, are the most respected defenders of the kingdom. These elite warriors, marked with sacred runes, protect the kingdom’s most strategic fortifications, including access points to underground cities and sacred sites.

Fortifications and Defense Strategies

The fortifications of Khaz'Dûm are renowned for their effectiveness and ingenuity. Massive mithril doors, adorned with ancient runes, lock the main entrances of the cities, while mechanical traps and massive ballistae deter any invasion. The art of underground warfare is perfected with each generation, ensuring the kingdom remains impregnable against any threat.

Foreign Relations

Despite their wary nature, the Dwarves of Khaz'Dûm maintain pragmatic relations with other peoples. They trade with Ellanoris for magical resources and with Ochokito for rare silks. However, their pride sometimes leads to conflicts with humans and elves, whom they see as intrusive. Khaz'Dûm remains respected for its neutrality and craftsmanship, drawing admiration and envy from neighboring kingdoms.

Type

Geopolitical, Kingdom

Location

Andoris

Related Species

• Dwarves