Khor Traur

Khor Traur is a large industrial city on the western slopes of the Braghmaine Mountains in Epron. It sits at the headwaters of the Rouralt River and is a world leader in mining, metal works, and precious stones.
Founded nearly 1000 years ago, Khor Traur was for much of its history the industrial heart of Gashain until the Great War between Gashain and Epron took place and Epron conquered the area. Since then it has been slowly integrated into the Epronian empire. Much of the fighting on the Gashanian/Epronian fronts of the war took place near or in Khor Traur and there was heavy damages to the cities infrastructure. While other cities in Epron's control are subjected to harsh policing to bring them into line with the rest of the country, Khor Traur has been left relatively free. Experts point to its long history of Dwarven culture and its importance as an trade and military materials hub as reasons why the Church of Moradin has taken a lighter hand in the city.

Demographics

The vast majority of Khor Traurans are dwarves, making up around 87% of the population. Like the rest of the western half of Isera the remaining population is split between Halflings and Gnomes, with minor populations of other races included.

Defences

The natural defenses of the steep rises of the Braghmaine Mountains are augmented in Khor Traur by an impressive fortified wall protecting the outer side of the city and two large chains that stretch across the Rouralt River which can be raised to prevent incoming ships. Outside the city are a small network of watchtowers that can warn the city of attacks from the East and North.

Industry & Trade

Khor Traur is the largest exporter of cut stone, raw metal, iron, steel, and gemstones in the world. In addition is the home of the (formerly Gashanian) Mint of Epron which stamps gold, silver, and copper pieces for the nation. Because of its vast mineral resources the city commands a powerful trade position in the economy of Epron and relies on that position to import most of its food as the surrounding mountainous landscape is not suited for agriculture.

Infrastructure

Khor Traur is built into the stones of the Braghmaine Mountains. There is a natural v-shaped cliff face in the mountains which also are the headwaters of the Rouralt River which flows over the cliffs at the apex of the V in the Rouralt Falls. This waterfall ends in a large plunge pool and a short range of river before continuing down the mountains regular face. The area around these cliffs and plunge pool has been excavated extensively by Khor Traur and comprises the central area of the city.
Houses and neighborhoods have been dug into the cliffsides on either side of the waterfall over the centuries. Some citizens live instead on the mountainsides outside of the center of the city. Finally the remaining neighborhoods are converted mineshafts and naturally forming caves which were discoverd through mining. These have since been dug out and expanded until they can house sizable populations. The mineshafts themselves have been expanded to traversable roads.

Districts

The major districts in Khor Traur are Scet Street, Stonebleed, Waterside Spitnaift, Upper Waterside, Yislit Square, Cazzuvoln Market, and Oceanside Park. Oceanside Park is notable for being neither near the sea, nor a park. It is instead an ironic appelation for the highest and furthest neighborhood of homes on the clifface of the Rouralt Falls, so far back that the water cannot even be seen. Someone, perhaps as a joke, has installed a porch swing over the railings of the topmost level. Residents say that at the very end of the swing outwards one can feel a drop of water from the falls on their toes. A small potted tree stands beside this swing and many refer to this spot as the "official" Oceanside Park.

Guilds and Factions

The Most Noble Royal Company of Blacksmiths and Metallurgists, the Gracious Miners Guild, and the Indivisible Jewelers Assocation of Gashain all have long histories in Khor Traur and maintain their power despite their parent guilds all being in Gashain. Their unity and command has brought them into conflict with the Church of Moradin representatives in the city as the ruling nation has changed.

Points of interest

The Rouralt Falls is the primary point of interest in the city. Its dramatic height and thunderous sound are natural wonders. At the other end of the plunge pool stands a 30ft statue to Moradin (Previously a statue to one of the city's founders, Khor Cazzuvoln).

Tourism

Khor Traur is not a popular tourist destination. The noise from the Falls is so loud it can disrupt visitor's sleep even deep into the mountains. When visitors do arrive, they are often struck by the hardworking nature of the people and by the local custom of carving the likeness of the recently deceased into cave and tunnel walls. The tunnels to the city's underground neighborhoods, the tiers of houses up the cliffs, and the breakwalls and fortifications at the river are all decorated with thousands and thousands of carved dwarves holding up the ceilings and roofs. While some non-dwarves often find this 'unsettling' or 'creepy', those familiar with Khor Trauran culture or even with Moradinic beliefs more broadly, can appreciate the beauty of the city's past citizens lifting their home up- and of the current residents safe under the arms and strength of their ancestors. Except for the rich and powerful, the carvings are done as people die and as the city expands and it is customary for families to memorize the locations of many generations of their ancestors throughout the tunnels and walls. The statues of particularly loved, or particularly famous, or particularly fertile ancestors are touched or rubbed for good luck and a common funeral wish is to be "Worn Smooth by Love".

Founding Date

circa 950a

Alternative Name(s)

The Golden River City

Type

City

Population

~500,000

Inhabitant Demonym

Khor Trauran

Owning Organization

Epron