Durwent
The city of Durwent stands upon a promontory on the eastern shore of the Helcynngae Peninsula. The Heldrings’ largest port on the Sinnar Ocean, Durwent is the gateway to Kingsgardt and the central towns and farmlands of the kingdom. Ships from around Akados, and even from far Libynos, can be found at dock in the harbor alongside large numbers of Heldring longships. The city bustles with merchants and craftsmen, mercenaries, travelers, and vagabonds.
Ealdorman Dorgorson maintains a strict peace in the city and surrounding countryside, his house guard being large and well-paid. Docking fees and other tariffs keep his coffers full, but he is wise enough to know that overzealous costs would impair the trade that flows through the city. Corruption is much less prevalent here than is the case in other port cities.
The city walls, and much of the foundations, are of dwarven construction, and in fact predate the arrival of the Heldring to this locale. According to legend, when the ancestors of the Heldring first came to the promontory, they found the place already built, home to a small number of dwarves, unlike any others to be found in Akados. Where they came from, and how they might be related to their kin, is unknown. But to this day, the Durr dwarves are found only here, in Durwent and its nearby lands. Their differences with mountain and hill dwarves are noticeable. Although stocky and bearded like other dwarves, the Durr are blond and bronze-skinned. They enjoy swimming in the sea and sailing (to a small degree) and prefer the sun on their faces to the darkness of the underground. They are decent farmers and have just recently discovered their hidden talent for mining, scouring sea caves along the coast for hidden pockets of precious stones and metals. Though gregarious and happy to partake in trade and commerce, they keep their private lives to themselves, and show no more familiarity with other dwarven clans than they do with humans.
Of late, some substantial deposits of gemstones have been found in some of those nearby sea-caves, which has drawn attention (not all welcome) to Durwent and its unusual dwarven residents. Pirates harassing ships out of the port and brigands on the road to Wirric Bury, once unheard of, are becoming increasingly common.
The ealdorman usually leaves issues concerning the Durr dwarves to their hereditary chieftain, currently the generally well-regarded Olagaard Bronzehand, also known as “Ha’Dwarf.” A number of traditions have developed to address those circumstances where matters arise between human and dwarf.
Most of the Heldring in Durwent worship Eostre and Thyr. Some of the Durr dwarves have come to venerate Thyr as well, though the majority pray to Dwerfater. If there is a shrine that the dwarves visit, however, it is unknown to their human neighbors.
Settlement
Durwent, City of
Type
City
Owning Organization
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