Volturuhm, The Grand Dwarven Halls

Volturuhm, The Grand Dwarven Halls, is a magnificent city carved deep within the Cold Rise mountains. Its towering peaks and rugged terrain have been shaped by skilled dwarven craftsmen over many generations, creating an awe-inspiring city that is both functional and beautiful. The city's architecture is a masterpiece of dwarven engineering, characterized by massive stone structures that are both imposing and graceful. The main entrance to the undercity is a great gate, flanked by two massive statues of dwarven warriors, standing guard over the city. Once inside, visitors are greeted by a sprawling complex of stone structures, ranging from simple, functional buildings to ornate temples and palaces.
The heart of Volturuhm is its central plaza, a massive open space surrounded by towering stone buildings. This plaza serves as a gathering place for dwarves to socialize, trade goods, and conduct business.
The streets of Volturuhm are wide and well-maintained, providing easy access to all corners of the city. Small shops and market stalls line the streets, offering a wide variety of goods and services, from finely crafted dwarven weapons and armor to exotic spices and rare gems.
The city's deeper underground sections are equally impressive, with sprawling tunnels and caverns that lead deep into the heart of the Cold Rise mountains. These tunnels are lit by glowing crystals and torches, providing an otherworldly glow to the underground passages.
Throughout the city, the sound of hammers on anvils can be heard, as the skilled dwarven craftsmen work tirelessly to create weapons, armor, and other goods. The city's forges are legendary, and dwarven goods from Volturuhm are highly prized throughout the land.
Local Holidays

• Deep Delve Day - This is a day of remembrance for the brave dwarves who lost their lives exploring the deep mines and tunnels of the Cold Rise. On this day, the dwarves of Volturuhm hold a solemn ceremony in the grand hall of the city to honor the fallen and renew their commitment to safe and responsible mining practices.
• The Great Forging - This is a grand festival of metallurgy and craftsmanship that takes place in the dwarven city every five years. During the festival, the greatest dwarven smiths from across the realm gather in Volturuhm to showcase their work and compete in a grand tournament. The festival is a celebration of dwarven ingenuity and innovation, and is a testament to the enduring power and skill of the dwarven people.
• Thrumdor's Wake - This is a holiday that is directly connected to the dwarven ancestral god Thrumdor, the Spine of the World. It is held on the anniversary of the god's passing and is a time for the dwarves to honor its memory and give thanks for his protection and patronage. During the wake, the dwarves of Volturuhm hold grand feasts and ceremonies in the city's many temples and shrines, and offer up prayers and sacrifices to the great god of stone and earth.
• Stone-Carver's Day - This is a holiday that celebrates the art and craft of stonemasonry. It is a day for the dwarves of Volturuhm to come together and share their skills and techniques, and to honor the legacy of the great stone-carvers who have come before. During Stone-Carver's Day, the city's grand hall is transformed into a gallery of stone sculptures and carvings, and the dwarves hold a grand feast in honor of their artistic traditions.
• Mountain's Embrace - This is a holiday that celebrates the bond between the dwarven people and the mountains that they call home. It is held at the height of summer, when the sun is at its hottest and the dwarves retreat to the cool and shaded recesses of their underground city. During Mountain's Embrace, the dwarves hold grand feasts and festivals in honor of Thrumdor and the other ancestral gods of stone and earth, and give thanks for the blessings of the mountains that have sustained them for generations.

Demographics

Volturuhm, The Grand Dwarven Halls, is a city predominantly inhabited by dwarves. They make up the vast majority of the population and residents. The city is home to several clans of dwarves, each with its own unique traditions and customs. The most prominent clans include the Stonehammer, Ironbeard, Silverforge, Ironjaw, Thundervein, Deephammer, Flameforge, Brightshield, Mountainheart, Steelgrin, Frostbeard, Stormbreaker, Boulderfist, Goldseeker, Rubytouch, Copperblood, and the Crystalstone Clan.
There is a small halfling population in the city as well. These halflings are primarily traders who have come to the city to take advantage of the lucrative trade routes that run through the area. They are respected members of the community and are known for their shrewd business acumen.
Lastly, there is a small population of humans with the majority coming from the Serrans ethnic background. The Serrans are a people whose homeland was once a mountain kingdom to the east. They find the dwarven kingdom reminiscent of their old homeland and have taken up residence scattered throughout the city. They have integrated into the community and are respected for their skills in mining and metalworking.
Despite the differences in race, the residents of Volturuhm surprisingly generally live in harmony.

Government

The Council of Elders oversee the operation of Volturuhm. This council, composed of over two dozen members, is responsible for making important decisions about the city's governance, economy, and defense. The members of the council are chosen for their intelligence, wisdom, and leadership abilities, and they serve for life.
Some notable members of the Council of Elders and their responsibilities are:

• Thrain Stonehammer - Chief Advisor: Thrain Stonehammer is the most respected member of the Council and serves as its chief advisor. He has decades of experience in dwarven politics and is renowned for his wise counsel.

• Drogan Ironfist - Minister of Defense: Drogan Ironfist is a legendary dwarven warrior who oversees the city's defenses. He is responsible for training the city's army and ensuring that Volturuhm is always prepared to repel invaders.

• Brina Goldseeker - Minister of Commerce: Brina Goldhand is a shrewd businesswoman who oversees the city's economy. She is responsible for managing the city's trade relationships, negotiating contracts with other cities, and ensuring that the city's merchants are well-funded.

• Kethar Silverbeard - Master Artisan: Kethar Silverbeard is a master artisan who oversees the city's craftsmanship. He is responsible for maintaining the high quality of dwarven goods produced in Volturuhm and for training the next generation of dwarven craftsmen.

• Grorin Flameforge - Minister of Mines: Grorin Fireforge oversees the city's mining operations. He is responsible for ensuring that the city's mines are operating efficiently and that the dwarves who work in the mines are safe and well-cared for.

• Gromm Ironhide - Master Architect: Gromm Ironhide is a skilled architect who oversees the construction and maintenance of Volturuhm's buildings and infrastructure. He is responsible for designing and building new structures as the city grows and for ensuring that the city's buildings are safe and well-maintained.

• Thora Stoneheart - Master Brewer: Thora Stoneheart oversees the city's breweries and is responsible for ensuring that the city's citizens have access to the finest dwarven ale. She is also responsible for training new brewers and ensuring that the city's brewing traditions are passed down from generation to generation.

• Balin Deepdelver - Minister of Culture: Balin Deepdelver is responsible for preserving and promoting dwarven culture and history within Volturuhm. He oversees the city's libraries and museums, ensuring that they are well-maintained and stocked with important historical artifacts. He also organizes festivals and celebrations that celebrate dwarven culture and traditions.

Defences

Volturuhm is a city built within and along the mountain range known as The Cold Rise. The city's natural defenses are formidable due to its location and geography. The mountains themselves create a natural barrier against invaders, and the treacherous terrain makes it difficult for any force to mount a successful assault. In addition to these natural defenses, the dwarves have also built a number of engineering marvels to keep their city safe.
Gates and Walls: The main entrance to Volturuhm is a massive stone gate that can be closed to protect the city from invaders. The gate is reinforced with thick steel bars and can only be opened with a special key. The walls that surround the city are made of the same solid stone as the gate and are thick enough to withstand even the most powerful attacks.
Watchtowers: The dwarves have constructed a series of watchtowers along the mountainside, allowing them to keep an eye on the surrounding area and spot any potential threats from afar. The watchtowers are connected by a network of tunnels, allowing the dwarves to move quickly and quietly from tower to tower.
Defensive Fortifications: In addition to the walls and gates, the dwarves have constructed a number of defensive fortifications within the city itself. These include fortified towers and bunkers, which can be used as strongholds in the event of a siege.
Hidden Tunnels: The dwarves have built a vast network of tunnels and underground passages throughout the mountain range, many of which are hidden and inaccessible to outsiders. These tunnels can be used to move troops and supplies undetected, and can also be used as escape routes in the event of an attack.
Overall, Volturuhm's defenses are both impressive and formidable, making it one of the most secure cities in the land.

Infrastructure

The infrastructure of Volturuhm is both grand and practical, reflecting the dwarves' mastery of stonework and engineering. The city is filled with tunnels, bridges, and roads, all carved from the living rock of the mountain. The city is also filled with mechanisms and machines, powered by waterwheels, gears, and pulleys, that keep the city's various districts connected and functioning smoothly.
The majority of Volturuhm is built underground, with the streets, buildings, and homes carved into the rock of the mountain. This provides natural insulation from the harsh weather conditions outside and makes the city more secure. Dwarven architecture is known for its durability and functionality, and this is reflected in the buildings and structures of Volturuhm. The buildings are made of solid stone and have thick walls to provide protection against the elements and potential attackers. The city is also adorned with ornate carvings and decorations, showcasing the dwarves' love of beauty and craftsmanship.
Dwarves prefer to travel on foot or by cart, so the streets of Volturuhm are narrow and winding, with plenty of stairs and steep inclines. This design allows for better control of the city's entrances and exits, as well as providing a natural defense against invaders. The dwarves also use specialized mine carts to transport goods and materials throughout the city, making use of their extensive underground tunnels.

Districts

The city is divided into seven districts, each with its own unique function and infrastructure:
The Foundry District - The Foundry District is the industrial heart of Volturuhm, where dwarven craftsmen create the city's most valuable goods. The district is filled with workshops, foundries, and factories, all powered by the furnaces that burn bright and hot day and night.
The Market District - The Market District is the commercial hub of Volturuhm, where merchants come from all over the dwarven lands to buy and sell goods. The district is filled with bustling marketplaces and trade halls, where traders haggle over the price of precious metals, gemstones, and exotic goods.
The Residential District - The Residential District is where the majority of Volturuhm's citizens live. The district is divided into smaller neighborhoods, each with its own common areas, wells, and gardens. The homes in this district range from small, cozy cottages to grand mansions, all carved into the living rock.
The Temple District - The Temple District is where the dwarven citizens of Volturuhm come to worship. The district is filled with grand temples and shrines, each dedicated to an aspect of their god. The largest temple in the district is the Temple of Thrumdor, the Spine of the World, where the most important religious ceremonies are held.
The Mining District - The Mining District is where the dwarves of Volturuhm extract the precious metals and gemstones that are the lifeblood of their society. The district is filled with mines, quarries, and tunnels, all leading deep into the heart of the mountain.
The Military District - The Military District is where the army of Volturuhm is trained and maintained. The district is filled with barracks, armories, and training grounds, where the dwarven soldiers drill and prepare for battle. The district is also home to the city's formidable defenses, including walls, gates, and watchtowers.
The Engineering District - The Engineering District is where the dwarves of Volturuhm apply their legendary skill and ingenuity to the task of building and maintaining the city's infrastructure. The district is filled with workshops, laboratories, and research facilities, where dwarven engineers develop new technologies and methods for mining, construction, and warfare.

Guilds and Factions

Guilds:

• The Stonemason's Guild: responsible for quarrying, shaping, and constructing the city's many buildings, tunnels, and infrastructure.
• The Miner's Guild: tasked with extracting valuable ores and minerals from the mountains that make up the foundation of the city's wealth and commerce.
• The Blacksmith's Guild: skilled at crafting weapons, armor, and other metal goods, they supply the city's soldiers and adventurers, as well as export their wares to other cities.
• The Jeweler's Guild: known for their fine gem-cutting and crafting, they turn the gems and precious metals of the mountains into intricate and valuable works of art.
• The Brewer's Guild: masters of the city's famous dwarven ale, they oversee the production and distribution of the many types of ale consumed by the city's population.
• The Merchant's Guild: responsible for the trade and commerce that drives the city's economy, they oversee the import and export of goods to and from the city.
• The Adventurer's Guild: a gathering place for those who seek to explore the dangers of the nearby wilderness, this guild offers support, training, and employment opportunities to those brave enough to take on the city's enemies.

Factions:

• The Mountainguard: a group of elite dwarven soldiers tasked with defending the city from external threats, they are known for their bravery, discipline, and unwavering loyalty to the city and its people.
• The Silverhand: a secretive faction of dwarven rogues and spies, they operate outside the law to gather intelligence and maintain the security of the city from within.
• The Goldseeker Clan: a powerful and influential clan that dominates the city's politics and commerce, they are both revered and feared by the other clans for their wealth, power, and cunning.

History

The Founding of Volturuhm, The Grand Dwarven Halls is a historic event that took place over five centuries ago, when the various clans of dwarves within the Cold Rise united under a single banner. For centuries, the dwarven clans had been in a state of constant conflict and rivalry, vying for control of the rich veins of ore and precious gems found within the mountains. Wars were fought, alliances made and broken, and countless lives lost in the struggle for power.
However, the growing threat of an invasion by the goblin horde forced the dwarves to set aside their differences and band together in order to defend their homes and their way of life. A council of the wisest and most respected elders from each clan was convened, and after much debate and negotiation, an agreement was reached to form a united kingdom under the banner of Volturuhm.
The founding of the Volturuhm marked a turning point in the history of the dwarves. The new kingdom was a beacon of strength and unity, and its powerful armies were able to repel the invading goblin horde and secure the safety of the dwarven people.
Construction
The construction of Volturuhm during an ongoing war with the goblin hordes was a tremendous challenge for the dwarves. The goblins had long been a thorn in the side of the dwarves, raiding their mines, ambushing their caravans, and launching sporadic attacks on their settlements. Despite the danger, the dwarves recognized the strategic importance of the Cold Rise mountains and knew that they needed a stronghold to protect their interests. So, they began construction of Volturuhm, carving out vast chambers and tunnels deep within the mountain, reinforced with stout stone walls and defended by cunning traps and hidden defenses.
The goblins, however, were not easily deterred. They launched frequent raids on the construction sites, seeking to disrupt the dwarves' work and sabotage their efforts. The dwarves fought back with all the ferocity and determination for which they were known, but the constant threat of attack made progress slow and difficult.
To make matters worse, the construction of Volturuhm was also beset by natural hazards, including cave-ins, floods, and collapses. The dwarves had to constantly adapt their plans and revise their designs to overcome these challenges, using their engineering prowess to create new solutions to old problems.
Despite all of these obstacles, the dwarves persevered. They poured their sweat and blood into the construction of Volturuhm, working tirelessly day and night to create a fortress that would stand the test of time. And in the end, their efforts paid off - Volturuhm became a mighty stronghold, a symbol of dwarven strength and resilience, and a testament to the power of determination in the face of adversity.
Alliance with Elves
After years of fighting against the goblin horde, the dwarves of Volturuhm were growing tired. They had lost many of their kin in the ongoing conflict, and their resources were running low. History would suggest the dwarves would reach out to their valley neighbors, the elves of Shelthemar first for assistance. These days, the dwarves will vehemently deny this and claim it was the elves that reached out to them first as they had their own conflicts for the goblin hoards. At first, the elves were hesitant to join forces with the dwarves. They had long been wary of their dwarven neighbors, and many still harbored grudges from old conflicts. But as the goblin horde continued to grow in strength and ferocity, the elves realized that they needed to put aside their differences and work together if they were to have any chance of survival.
Together, the dwarves and elves formed a powerful alliance, combining their strength and expertise to fight against the goblin horde. The elves provided archers and scouts, using their knowledge of the land to help the dwarves navigate the hiding spots of the goblins and treacherous terrain of the lower mountain passes. Meanwhile, the dwarves provided heavy infantry and engineers, constructing fortifications and creating traps to counter the goblin's tactics.
The alliance was a formidable force, and they soon began to make progress against the goblin horde. The dwarves and elves worked together to disrupt supply lines and ambush raiding parties, slowly chipping away at the goblin's strength.
In the final battle, the dwarves and elves launched a coordinated assault on several key goblin stronghold nests, attacking from both sides and catching the goblins off-guard. The battle was long and brutal, but in the end, the dwarves and elves emerged victorious, breaking the goblin horde and scattering their forces.
The alliance between the dwarves and elves was not easily forged, but it proved to be a turning point in the war against the goblins. For the next three centuries, the goblins would remain scattered and disorganized, never again posing a significant threat to the dwarves and their allies. The alliance also laid the groundwork for a lasting peace between the dwarves and elves, leading to closer ties and a greater sense of cooperation between the two races.
Treaty of Trading and Defense
The Treaty of Trading and Defense was another historic event that brought together the dwarves of Volturuhm and the halflings of Hazelwood. It was a momentous occasion, one that would have far-reaching consequences for both races. The treaty was signed during a time of great peril for the halflings, who were facing their own goblin incursions. The goblins had been raiding the coastal villages with increasing frequency now and the halflings were struggling to defend themselves.
The dwarves of Volturuhm saw an opportunity and offered to help. They proposed a treaty that would see the two races working together to open up new trade routes between their respective territories, thus cementing not only a stream of new coastal goods from the lands but also defending future trading partners in a show of good will.
The halflings were overjoyed at the offer, and after some negotiations, the treaty was signed. The terms of the treaty were simple: the dwarves would provide military aid to the halflings, helping to defend their villages from the goblin raids, and in return, the halflings would open up their trading routes to the dwarves, allowing them to expand their commerce.
The alliance between the two races proved to be a powerful one. The dwarves brought their considerable military expertise to bear on the goblin threat, while the halflings provided valuable intelligence and knowledge of the terrain. The treaty also had a significant impact on the economies of both races. The dwarves were able to tap into the rich resources of the coastal valley, while the halflings gained access to the advanced dwarven technologies and goods.
In the end, the Treaty of Trading and Defense proved to be a win-win for both the dwarves and the halflings.
Treaty of Joint Forces
In time, peace would be threatened one last time in the valley as the newer race of humans to the region had begun a conflict with the goblins themselves. It was clear that the humans were outnumbered and soon the younger race came to the demihumans for help.
The Treaty of Joint Forces was drafted and agreed on between the dwarves, halflings, and humans to unite against the common enemy. The treaty was formed after a long and bloody conflict that saw heavy losses on all sides. The goblins were led by their fearsome leader, Evlad the Giant, who was a towering behemoth compared to the other hobgoblin generals of the reoccurring green horde. His strength and battle prowess were the stuff of legends, and his army of bugbears and goblins were a formidable force. The dwarves, halflings, and humans were all pushed to the brink on several occasions but fervor with each other brought them back.
With the aid of the dwarves and halflings, the humans were able to mount a successful counterattack against the goblin horde. The three races worked together to create cunning military strategies and build strong defenses to push the goblins out of the valley. After many bloody battles, Evlad the Giant was finally defeated, and the goblin horde was pushed to the north into the Burnt Peaks.
This treaty marked a turning point in the history of the valley. The dwarves, halflings, and humans realized the benefits of working together and forged a lasting alliance that would shape the future of the region for centuries to come. The treaty also allowed for the expansion of trade routes between the races, leading to increased prosperity and growth for all, including the reclusive elven kind to the south.

Population Density
Dwarves - 88% 
Halflings - 7% 
Humans - 5% 

Related Ethnicities

• Serrans